
aass_t_riiL 

Book ,T \?)K 



Your Trip to Florida is Incomplete if You 
Have Not Visited 

ORMOND-ON-THE-HALIFAX 

And the Beautiful Country Bordering Upon the 

INDIAN RIVER AND LAKE WORTH. 




EXCURSION TICKETS AT REDUCED RATES 

VIA the; 

Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Indian 
River Railway, 

Are on Sale at the Depot and Hotel Ticket Offices. 
W. L. CRAWFORD, JOSEPH RICHARDSON, 



General Superiutendeut, 



General Passenger Agent. 



PONCE BE LEON LAND 



ST. KVJOVJSTINE. F=I-ORIDK. 



TRADITIONS AND EARLY HISTORY 



Oldest Fortress and City in the United States, 



Embracing Items of Interest, the Earliest Discov- 
eries AND Settlement. 



An Account of the Seminole War; Confinement of 
Indian Prisoners of War During Late Years. 



Also an Account of the Hotels of St, Augustine, 

Which Rank Among the Best in the World. 
BV GEORGE 7W. BROin^N. 

Ordnance Sergeant U. S. Army. 

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY C. W. DACOSTA, 

JACKSON VII.IiE, FLA. 

1892. 



V 



■ J// 



fHE author has endeavored in this work to answer the 
many thousands of questions that have been asked him 
in the past six years pertaining to the history of Florida. The 
only excuse for attempting such a task is, that it was, in a 
measure, forced upon him. 

I was ordered from Fort Jefferson, Florida, to take charge 
of Fort Marion, arriving here on the 4th of August, 1885. At 
that time I knew but little of the early history of Florida. I 
have endeavored to give the public the result of six years' care- 
ful study, gathered from all parts of the world. I have been 
asked by thousands of people to embody the result of my study 
in book form, and I have endeavored to do so, knowing that, 
after more than thirty years of active service, I am better quali- 
fied to handle the rifle or sabre than the pen. 
Very respectfully, 

Ordnance Sergeant U. S. A. 



I wish to give sincere thanks to the Hon. George R. Fair- 
banks, M. A.; Mr. William Whitwell Dewhurst, John G. Shea 
and Miss A. M. Brooks for their kind permission to copy from 
their works. Mr. Fairbanks is the pioneer historian of St. Au- 
gustine; from Mr. Dewhurst I have taken most of the history of 
Narvaez and De Soto and several other valuable points; from 
Mr. Shea the letter from Pope Pius the Fifth to Menendez, and 
points pertaining to Christianizing the Indians; from Miss 
Brooks the History of the Seminole War, a copy of Menendez' 
signature and several other points of history. Miss Brooks has 
been in Spain, getting points for the Colonial History of Florida. 

"The History and Antiquities of St. Augustine," by Geo. 
R. Fairbanks, M. A.; "The History of St. Augustine, Florida," 
by Wm. W. Dewhurst ; " The Catholic Church in Colonial Days," 
by John G. Shea; "Petals Plucked from Sunny Climes," by 
Miss A. M. Brooks, are sterling works, and should be read by 
every one that takes an interest in the history of our country. 



PONCE m LBON L4ND, 

ST. M\JG\JSTINE, F^L-ORIDK. 



CHAPTER I. 



Discovery of Florida Third of April, 1512 — The Search 
FOR THE Fountain of Youth by Juan Ponce de Leon — 
His Attempted Settlement in 1521, Resulting in His 
Death by the Hands of a Savage — His Burial and 
Epitaph in Cuba. 

'UAN PONCE DE LEON, a companion of Columbus on 
his second voyage, having acquired both fame and 
wealth by the reduction of Porto Rico was impatient 
to engage in some new enterprise. He fitted out three ships 
at his own expense for a voyage of discovery. His reputation 
soon drew together a respectable body of followers. He di- 
rected his course towards the Lucago Islands, touched at 
several of them and the Bahamas also, and then stood to the 
northwest and discovered a country hitherto unknown to the 
Spaniards, which he called Florida, either because he fell in 
with it on Easter Sunday or on account of its gay and beauti- 
ful appearance. He attempted to land in different places, but 
met with vigorous opposition from the natives, who were fierce 
and warlike. This convinced him that an increase of force was 
required to effect a settlement. Satisfied with having opened 
communication with a new country, of whose value and im- 
portance he conceived very sanguine hopes, he returned to 
Porto Rico, through the channel now known by the name of 
the Gulf of Florida. 

It was not merely the passion of searching for new coun- 
tries that prompted Ponce de Leon to undertake this voyage. 
He was influenced by a report that far to the north there ex- 
isted a land abounding in gold and all manner of desir- 
able things. These visionary ideas, at that time often min- 



b ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

gled with the spirit of discovery and rendered it more active, 
and a tradition prevailed among the natives of Porto Rico that 
in the country to the north there was a fountain of such won- 
derful virtue as to restore the vigor of youth to every person 
who drank or bathed in its salutary waters. Ponce de Leon 
and his followers ranged through the islands and mainland, 
searching with fruitless solicitude and labor for the fountain, 
which was the chief object of their expedition. 

Martyr affirms in his address to the Pope, " That among 
the islands on the north side of Hispauiola there is one 
about 325 leagues distant, in which is a spring of running- 
water of such marvelous virtue that the water thereof being 
drank, perhaps with some diet, maketh old men young 
again; and here I must make protestation to your Holiness not 
to think this be said lightly or rashly, for they have so spread 
this rumor for a truth throughout all the court that not only 
all the people, but also many of them whom wisdom and for- 
tune have divided from the common lot think it to be true." 
Thoroughly believing in this pleasant account, this valiant 
cavalier fitted out an expedition from Porto Rico, and in the 
progress of his search came upon the coast of Florida on 
Easter Sunday, 1512, supposing then, and for a long time 
afterwards, that it was an island. Partly in consequence of 
the bright spring verdure and flowery palms that met his eye, 
and the magnificence of the magnolia, the bay and the laurel, 
and partly in honor of the day, Pascua Florida or Easter Sunday, 
and reminded probably of its appropriateness by the profusion 
and the beauty of the flowers near the jioint of his landing, 
he gave the country the -name of Florida. 

The 3d of April, 1512, three hundred and seventy-nine 
years ago, at this writing, Ponce de Leon landed near St. Augus- 
tine, and took possession of the country for the Spanish Crown. 
He found the natives fierce and implacable. After exploring 
the country for some distance around, and trying the virtue of 
all the springs and streams, growing neither young nor hand- 
some, he left the country without making a permanent settle- 
ment. 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 7 

Ponce de Leon, not wishing to be considered the least 
among the conquerors, fitted out another expedition of two ships 
at his Own expense, which sailed from Porto Rico, 1521, for 
the purpose of making further explorations and settlements in 
the new continent. He landed on the coast of Florida, in the 
vicinity of St. Augustine, where he proclaimed himself Gov- 
ernor and possessor of the soil. The Indians met him with 
fierce opposition, showering their arrows upon the Spaniards, 
killing several and mortally wounding Ponce de Leon. He 
was carried to his ship, and from thence to Cuba. The discov- 
ery, he expected to be the means of perpetuating his life, 
caused his death; the last voyage closed his earthly career, and 
found for him a grave on the Island of Cuba. 

HIS EPITAPH. 

" In this sepulcher rest the bones of a man who was a lion 
by name, and still more by nature." 

There is a tradition that there was another cause for the 
diligent search made by this gallant cavalier for the fountain 
of youth. On his return to Spain, from one of his voyages, he 
met a beautiful, young and titled lady, of whom he became 
very much enamored. There was but one obstacle to prevent 
their union, which was his age. With care and anxiety Ponce 
de Leon searched through the islands and mainland for this 
wonderful spring that was to restore his youth, so that he could 
return to Spain and claim his bride. How near this object was 
to his heart is shown by the long years he spent in his fruitless 
search, the hardships he endured, the treasures he expended to 
accomplish the greatest desire of his heart, which resulted in 
finding death by the hands of a savage. 

Evidently this fountain was the chief object of Ponce de 
Leon and his followers' expedition. That a tale so fabulous 
should gain credit among simple, uninstructed Indians is not 
surprising; that it should make an impression upon an en- 
lightened people appears in the present age altogether incredi- 
ble. The fact, however, is certain, and the most authentic 
Spanish historians mention this extravagant sally of their cred- 



8 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

ulous countryman. The Spaniards at that time were engaged 
in a career of activity which gave a romantic turn to their im- 
aginations, and daily presented to tliem strange and marvelous 
objects. A new world was opened to their view; they visited 
islands and continents of whose existence mankind in former 
years had no conception. In those delightful countries nature 
seemed to assume anothet form, every tree, plant and animal 
was different from those of the ancient hemisphere; they seemed 
to be transplanted into enchanted ground, and after the won- 
ders which they had seen nothing in the warmth and novelty 
of their admiration appeared to them so extraordinary as to be 
beyond belief. If the rapid succession of new and striking 
scenes made such impression, even upon the sound under- 
standing of Columbus that he boasted of having found the 
seat of Paradise, will it appear strange that Ponce De Leon 
should dream of discovering the fountain of youth? 



CHAPTER 11. 

The Second Attempt to Colonize Florida, by Panfilo 
Narvaez — Its Failure, and Loss of All the Party 
BUT Four. 

§N the 12th day of April, 1528, Panfilo Narvaez sailed 
from St. Jago de Cuba with four hundred men and forty 
horses. Landing near Charlotte Harbor he took formal 
possession of the country in the name of the King of Spain, 
and promulgated in the Spanish language to the inhabitants 
nf the country, in the name of the King of Spain : " I, Panfilo 
de Narvaez, cause to be known to you how God created the 
world, and charged St. Peter to be the sovereign of all men, in 
whatever country they might be born. God gave him the 
whole world for his inheritance. One of his successors made 
a gift of all these lands to the King and Queen of Spain ; so 
that the Indians are their subjects. You will be compelled to 
accept Christianity. If you refuse, and delay agreeing to what 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. :» 

I have proposed to you, I will march against you; I will make 
war upon you from all sides; I will subject you to the obedi- 
ence of the Church and his Majesty; I will obtain possession of 
your wives and children; I will reduce you to slavery. I no- 
tify you that neither his Majesty nor myself, nor the gentlemen 
who accompany me, will be the cause of this, but yourselves 
only." 

While resting at a village near Tampa Narvnez was shown 
some wooden burial cases containing the remains of chiefs, and 
ornamented with deer skins elaborately painted and adorned 
with sprigs of gold. Learning that the gold came from farther 
north, at a place called Apalachee, Narvaez immediately ordered 
his men to march thither. With more judgment, or prophetic 
wisdom, his treasurer, Cabaca de Vaca, endeavored, in vain, to 
dissuade him. Having distributed a small quantity of biscuit 
and pork as rations, he set out on the first of May with three 
hundred men and forty horses. They marched through a deso- 
late country, crossing one large river, encountering only one 
settlement of Indians, until the 17th of June, when they fell in 
with a settlement where they were well received and supplied 
with corn and venison. The Spaniards, learning that this tribe 
were enemies of the Apalachians, exchanged presents, and ob- 
tained guides to direct them to the Apalachian settlement. 
This they reached on the 25th, after a fatiguing march through 
swamps and marshes, and at once attacked the inhabitants 
without a word of warning, and put them all to the sword. 
The town consisted of comfortable houses, Vv^ell stocked with 
corn, skins, and garments made from bark cloth. 

Not finding the wealth he had expected, and being sub- 
ject to the repeated attacks of the Indians, Narvaez, after a 
month's rest at Apalachee, divided his command into three 
companies, and ordered them to scour the country. These 
companies returned after an unsuccessful search for gold and 
food. The Spaniards continued their march toward the north 
and west, carrying with them, in chains, the Indian chiefs 
captured at Apalachee. This plan of securing the chiefs of an 



10 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

Indian nation or tribe, and forcing them to march with troops 
as guides and hostages, seems to have been adopted by each of 
the Spanish commanders, and always with disastrous results. 
The sight of an Indian chief in chains aroused a feeling of out- 
raged friendship wherever they passed, and gave a premonition 
of the servile fate that would be assigned to their race when- 
ever the Spaniards obtained the dominion. These captives 
urged on the Indians to harrass and persistently follow up the 
marching army, influencing even tribes that were inimical to 
themselves. 

The march of Narvaez through the western part of Florida 
continued until fall, with an unvarying succession of attacks and 
skirmishes at every halt, and often pitched battles at the towns 
that lay in his path. Little progress was made on their jour- 
ney, owing to the uncertainty of their course, the unproductive 
and difficult nature of the country traversed, and the unremit- 
ting attacks and obstacles opposed by the wily Indians, who 
were ever on the watch to pick off man or beast, and to pre- 
vent the collection of supplies. 

Disheartened at the continued losses sustained by his 
army, and despairing of ever reaching by land the Spanish set- 
tlement in Mexico, Narvaez, having reached the banks of a 
large river, determined to follow it to its mouth and take to 
the sea. Slowly they moved down the river, and arrived at 
its mouth in a sadly distressed condition. Despair lent them 
an energy that was fanned to a burning zeal by the hopes of 
being able to reach their friends and salvation on the shores of 
the same waters before their view. A smith in their party de- 
clared that he could build a forge, and with bellows made of 
hides, and the charcoal they could supply abundantly, he could 
forge from their swords and accoutrements bolts and nails for 
building a boat. Diligently they worked, incited by the memo- 
ries of all their hardships and perils, and the joyous hope of 
safe delivery. Such was their energ}^ and determination that in 
six weeks they constructed from the material at hand five large 
boats, capable of holding fifty men each. For cordage they 
twisted ropes from the manes and tails of their horses, together 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 11 

with the fiber of plants. Their sails were made from their 
clothing, and from the hides of their horses they made sacks 
to hold water. 

With these frail and clumsily constructed craft, open 
boats loaded almost to the water's edge, without a navigator in 
the party, or provisions for a week, this little army of desper- 
ate men set out on the open sea, Narvaez commanding one 
boat; the others were under command of his captains, one of 
whom, Cabaca de Vaca, has preserved to us the account of this 
fatal expedition. 

De Vaca gives a long account of their voyage, and the 
hardships and misfortunes they underwent until they were all 
shipwrecked. Out of two hundred and forty who started on the 
return only fifteen were alive. Narvaez himself was blown off 
from shore while almost alone in his boat, and never again 
heard of. Only these four are known certainly to have been 
saved : Cabaca de Vaca, the treasurer of the expedition ; Cap- 
tain Alonzo Castillo, Captain Andrew Orantes and a negro, or 
Turk, named Estevanico. 

Cabaca de Vaca and his companions, for nearly six years, 
pursued their journey among the Indians. During all this 
long period they never abandoned their hope and desire of 
reaching Mexico. Finally, after many strange adventures, De 
Vaca arrived at the Spanish settlement in Mexico, and was re- 
ceived by his countrymen with the greatest consideration and 
rejoicing. 

Having been sent over to Spain, he presented to the Crown 
a narrative of the unfortunate expedition of Narvaez, represent- 
ing that the country contained great wealth, that he alone was 
able to secure, and begging that he be made Governor. In this 
he was disappointed, however; but was placated by the Gov- 
■Grnment of La Plata in South America. 

The narrative of De Vaca has been received by historians 
and antiquarians as, in the main, veracious; though describing 
some wonderful customs and people, it is the earliest account of 
Florida which we possess, having been published in 1555, and 
is of inestimable value. 



12 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

CHAPTER III. 

The Third Attempt to Settle Florida, by Hernando De- 
soto, Resulting IN THE Loss op His Life by Disease, and 
All but Three Hundred and Eleven of his Command 

•N 1537 the third attempt to settle Florida was made by 
Hernando DeSoto. He was one of the companions of 
Pizarro in the conquest of Peru. That brilliant exploit 
roused his ambition. Going home to Charles the Fifth resplend- 
ent in the gold he had gained as his share of the spoils of 
('Uzco he asked leave to go and conquer Florida. It was 
granted, and he was appointed Governor of Cuba. No expedi- 
tion to the new world was ever fitted out so splendidly. Vasco 
Parcalls, an aged man of Cuba, lavished his fortune on tlie 
preparation, and the adventurers from Spain were wealthy, 
many of them nobles who had sold magnificent estates at 
home, to be replaced by the El Dorado in the West. 

When DeSoto landed on the shores of Florida with his 
eight hundred men, he sent back the ships in which they 
came, that they might feel they must conquer or die. The 
natives played the same trick on this party that they did on 
that of Narvaez. They led them estray with stories of gold 
mines. If by chance one Indian was honest enough to say he 
knew of no golden treasures, the Spaniards would kill him. 
They explored in their wanderings all the Southern States up 
to the Apalachian Mountains, to the Mississippi river, even 
west of the Mississippi. They were frightfully cruel to the na- 
tives, and on one occasion they set fire to an Indian town, and 
a large number perished. 

It is interesting to see how the natives defended themselves 
— sometimes by craft, sometimes by force. The party reached 
the Mississippi and explored all its western branches, south of 
the Missouri. After five years of incredible perseverance and 
hardship DeSoto retraced his way to the Mississippi. The 
disappointment and mortification which his gallant nature 
had so long opposed was eating like a cancer into his heart. 
His body at last gave way to fatigue and malaria. He ap- 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 13 

pointed Louis Moscoza as their captain. On the 21st of May, 
1542, he died, and his body was consigned to the great father 
of waters that lie had been the first to discover. 




CHAPTER IV. 

Huguenot Settlement Under Ribaut and Laudonniere. 

'HE settlement of Florida originated in the religious 
troubles experienced by the Huguenots under Charles 
the Ninth of France. Admiral Coligny, as early as 1555, 
projected colonies in America, and sent an expedition to Bra- 
zil, which proved unsuccessful. Having procured permission 
from Charles the Ninth to found a colony in Florida, a designa- 
tion which embraced in a rather indefinite manner the whole 
country from the Chesapeake to the Tortugas, he sent an expe- 
dition in 1562 from France, under the command of Jean Ri- 
baut, composed of many young men of good families. The 
little Huguenot fleet touched first the harbor of St. Augustine, 
in Florida. Making their way along the coast they discovered 
Port Royal. They were charmed with the "beauty of the scene, 
and chose this spot for their future home, and built a small 
fort, which they named Carolina, in honor of their King. Leav- 
ing a small garrison to defend it, Ribaut went back to France 
with the ships for reinforcements. Civil war was then raging 
in France, and Coligny was almost powerless, but not discour- 
aged. During a lull in the tempest of civil commotion another 
expedition was sent to America, under the command of Rene 
de Laudonniere, and made its first landing at the river of Dol- 
phins, being the present harbor of St. Augustine. Laudonniere 
had accompanied Ribaut on his first voyage. They arrived 
in July, 1564, pitched their tents on the banks of the St. Johns, 
and built Fort Carolina. There was great dissoluteness among 
these immigrants ; some of them turned pirates and depredated 
extensively upon the Spanish property in the West Indies. 



14 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

The remainder became discontented, and were about to em- 
bark for France, when the fleet arrived with immigrants and 
suppHes. 



CHAPTER V. 




Founding of St. Augustine by Menendez, 1o65 — Attack 
Upon the French Settlement on the St. Johns. 

HEN the Spanish monarch heard of the settlement of 
the French Protestants within his claimed territory' 
and of the piracies of some of the immigrants, he adopted 
measures for their expulsion and punishment. Don Pedro 
Menendez de Aviles, a brave military chief, was appointed 
by his King the hereditary Governor of the Floridas, on 
condition that he should expel the French from the soil, 
conquer the natives, and plant a colony there. In 156 2 
the site where St. Augustine now stands was then an extensive 
village of the Selove Indians. Menendez arrived on the 6th 
of September with a strong, armed force, and landed his troops 
in the harbor, giving it the name of St. Augustine, in com- 
memoration of having come in sight of the coast of Florida 
on the anniversary of the saint of that name. Here he found 
three of his ships already debarking their troops, guns and 
stores. Two of his officers, Patano and Vincente, had taken 
possession of the dwelling of Indian Chief Selvoe. It was a 
large barn-like structure, strongly framed of entire trunks of 
trees, and thatched with palmetto leaves. Around it they were 
throwing up entrenchments of fascines and sand ; gangs of ne- 
groes with picks and shovels and spades were toiling at the 
work. 

Such was the foundation and birth of St. Augustine, the- 
oldest town in the United States, and the introduction of slave 
labor upon this soil. The next day, with great ceremony and 
pomp, Menendez proclaimed his King, Philip the Second, mon.. 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 15 

arch of all North America. While Menendez was making 
haste to fortify his position at St. Augustine, Ribaut was pre- 
paring to descend the coast, and, by a sudden attack, capture 
the Spanish fleet and cut off the settlement. This plan was in- 
effectually opposed by Laudonniere. His opposition to the plan 
of action adopted may have been the cause of his failure to ac- 
compan}^ the expedition. Removing the artillery and garrison 
to his fleet, and leaving in the fort the non-combatants, includ- 
ing women, children and invalids, to the number of two hundred 
tmd forty, under the command of Laudonniere, Ribaut set sail 
to attack the Spaniards on the 10th of September. 

They bore rapidly down until in sight of the Spanish ves- 
sels anchored off the bar of St. Augustine. Before the enemj^ 
were reached, and the fleet collected for action, Ribaut found 
himself in the midst of one of those gales which occur with sud- 
denness and violence on the coast of Florida at different periods 
of every fall. The tempest rendered his ships unmanageable 
and finally wrecked them all at different points on the coast 
south of Matanzas Inlet. 

Menendez had watched the French ships as they approached 
St. Augustine ; observing the severity of the storm, he was 
satisfied that the fleet could not beat back in its teeth should 
they escape shipwreck; therefore their return was impossible 
for several days after the storm should cease. Menendez de- 
termined to seize the favorable opportunity to attack the fort 
on the St. Johns. He gathered a picked force; and, with eight 
days' provisions, be^an a march across the country, under the 
guidance of two Indians, who were unfriendly to the French. 
The march proved difficult on account of the pouring rains 
and their ignorance of the country. The swamps and baygalls, 
many of them waist deep with water, proved so embarrassing 
that it took three days of laborious marching, amidst great dis- 
comfort, to cover the distance of fifty miles between the two 
posts. Immediately after the departure of the ships Laudon- 
niere had set to work, with the force at his command, to repair 
the breaches in the fort that had been made when they had 



16 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

expected to return to France. He also began to discipline his 
men, so as to be a guard to the post. For several days the regu- 
lar watches were kept up by the captain who had been ap- 
pointed, but as the gale continued they began to feel confident 
that no attack would be made while the weather was so inclem- 
ent, and therefore ceased to be vigilant. On the night of 
September 19th the gale had been ver}' severe, and at day- 
break, finding the captain of the watch was in his quarters, 
the sentinels went under shelter. At this very moment the 
soldiers under Menendezwere in sight kneeling in prayer. From 
prayer they rushed to tlie attack, gaining entrance to the fort- 
Without much opposition they began an indiscriminate slaugh- 
ter. Laudonmer with ewenty men sprang from the walls and 
escaped into the woods, from whence he made his way across 
the marshes to a small vessel in the river, which had been left 
in charge of Captain Jaques Ribaut, a son of the Admiral. 
From thence they proceeded to France, without making any 
effort to find their companions of Ribaut's fleet or to learn 
their fate. 

An order from Menendez to spare the women, children 
and cripples put a stop to the massacre; though, it is said, 
"to escape death they were forced to submit to slavery." The 
French account says that all men who escaped instant death 
were hung to the limbs of neighboring trees. This may be ex- 
aggerated, but it is certain the Spaniards suspended the bodies 
of some of the Frenchmen and set up this inscription : "No 
por Franceses, sino por Luteranos." Menendez found in the 
fort six trunks filled with books, well bound and gilt, from 
which the owners did not say mass, but preached their Lutheran 
doctrine every evening; all of which books he directed to be 
burned. 

Fearing lest Ribaut should have escaped destruction in 
the storm, and returning should make an attack during his 
absence, Menendez hurried back to St. Augustine. He took 
with him only fifty men, the remainder being left under the 
command of his son-in-law, De Valdez, who was ordered to 
build a church on the site selected bv Menendez, and marked 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 17 

by the erection of crosses. After the completion of the church 
De Valdez was to use every effort to strengthen the captured fort. 

Arriving at St. Augustine Menendez was hailed as con- 
queror, and having been escorted into the place by the priests 
and people who had been left behind, a solemn mass was re- 
peated, and Te Deum chanted to celebrate the victory. 

Several of Ribaut's vessels were wrecked between Mosquito 
and Matanzas Inlets. Strange as it may appear, in the destruc- 
tion of the whole fleet, but one life was lost from drowning. It 
often happens on the sandy portion of the Florida coast that 
vessels will be driven high upon the beach by the force of the 
swell, and there left by the receding tide in a sound condition. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Massacre of the French Colonists by Menendez. 

Cy^ BOUT two hundred men had collected on the barrier 
jll at Matanzas Inlet, while a large party with Ribaut 
fjj^^ were gathered on the barrier farther to the south. The 
Indians soon after reported to Menendez that a large body of 
men were at the Inlet, four leagues south, that were unable to 
cross. He marched with forty men for the inlet, and arrived 
at Matanzas the same evening. His course was down the beach 
on Anastasia Island, as the account speaks of his ordering the 
boats to keep abreast of him on the march. 

Having come to the mouth of the inlet one of the French- 
men swam across and reported that the party tliere assembled 
belonged to oneof the vessels of Ribaut's fleet. Menendez re- 
turned the man in a boat, and offered a pledge of safety, to the 
French captain and four or five of his lieutenants, who migh'^ 
choose to cross over and hold an interview. Upon this pledge 
the captain crossed over in the boat with four of his com- 
panions. These begged of Menendez that he would provide them 
with boats that they might cross tliat inlet and the one at St. 



18 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

Augustine, and return to their fort, twenty leagues to the north. 
Upon this Menendez informed them of the capture of the fort 
and the destruction of the garrison. The captain thereupon 
besought that they be furnished with a vessel to return to 
France, observing that the French and Spanish kings were 
loving brothers, and the two nations at peace. Menendez, in 
reply, asked if they were Catholics, to which it was answered 
that they were of the new religion. Then Menendez answered 
that if they had been Catholics he would feel that he was 
serving his king in doing them kindness, but Protestants he 
considered as enemies, against whom he should wage war un- 
ceasingly, both against them and against all that should come 
into the territory of which he was Adelantado, having come 
to these shores in the service of his king to plant the holy 
faith, in order that savages might be brought to a knowledge 
of the Holy Catholic religion. 

Upon hearing this the captain and his men desired to re- 
turn and report the same to their companions, and were accord- 
ingly sent back in the boat. Soon after, observing signals or 
signs from the opposite shore, the boat was sent over to learn 
their pleasure. 

The French then endeavored to make some terms for a 
surrender, with the privilege of ransom. There being many 
members of noble and wealthy families among them, as much 
as fifty thousand ducats were offered for a pledge of safety. 
Menendez would make no pledge, simply sending word that if 
they desired they could surrender their arms and yield them- 
selves to his mercy, in order that he might do unto them what 
should be dictated to him by the grace of God. The French 
seemed to have had an instinctive feeling that it would fare 
hard with them should they yield themselves to the Spaniards, 
yet they were so wholly demoralized and disheartened by the 
misfortunes that had befallen them, that, after much delay and 
parley, they finally sent word to Menendez that they were will- 
ing to yield themselves, to be dealt with as he willed. The 
French were therefore transported across the sound in parties 
of ten at a time. As each boat load was landed Menendez di- 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 19 

rected that the prisoners be led behind the scrub, and their 
hands pinioned behind their backs. This course, he declared 
to them to be necessary, as he had but a small number of men 
in his command, and if left free it would be an easy matter for 
the French to turn upon him and revenge themselves for the 
destruction of their fort and Laudonniere's command. In this 
manner was secured the whole body of the French that had 
collected on the southern shore of Matanzas Inlet, to the num- 
ber of two hundred and eight men. Of this number eight, in 
response to an inquiry, declared themselves Catholics, and were 
sent to St. Augustine in the boat. The remainder were ordered 
to march with the Spanish solders on their path back to the 
settlement. Menendez had sent on in advance an oflStcer^and 
a file of soldiers, with orders to wait at a designated spot on the 
road, and as the parties of Frenchmen came up to take them 
aside into the woods and put them to death. In this manner 
the whole party were killed, and their bodies left on the sands 
to feed the buzzards. 

Menendez had scarcely reached St. Augustine before he 
learned that there was a larger body of the French assembled 
at the spot where he had found the first party, who were con- 
structing a raft, on which to cross the inlet. Hurrying back 
with his troops, he sent a message to the commander, whom he 
rightly conjectured was Ribaut himself. He told him that he 
had destroyed the fort on the St. Johns and a body of those 
who were shipwrecked, promising him a safe conduct if he 
wished to cross over and satisfy himself as to the truth of this 
report. 

Ribault availed himself of this offer, and was shown the 
dead bodies of his men, who had been so cruelly murdered. 
He was allowed to converse with one of the prisoners, wiio had 
been brought in the company of the Spaniards. This man was 
one of the eight who were Catholics, and was spared from the 
former company. 

Ribaut endeavored to negotiate for the ransom of himself 
and his men, offering double the sum before named by the 
French captain; but Menendez refused to listen to any 



20 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

terms, except an unconditional surrender. After ineffectually 
offering a ransom of two hundred thousand ducats, the French 
Admiral returned to his party and informed them of the de- 
mand of the Spaniards. In spite of the terrible fate of their 
comrades, which should have served as a warning of what 
awaited them, one hundred and fifty of the company, includ- 
ing Ribaut, decided to surrender to the Spanish captain. These 
were transported to the island and disposed of in the same man- 
ner as the former prisoners, saving only a few musicians and 
four soldiers, who claimed to be Catholics — in all sixteen per- 
sons. Two hundred of the French refused to trust themselves 
to the Spaniards, preferring the chance of preserving their lives 
on the inhospitable beach until they could find a way to escape 
to a more friendly country. These retreated back to their 
wrecked ships, and began to construct a fort and a small ves- 
sel to return to France, or at least to leave the fatal shores of 
Florida. 

Menendez soon after determined to break up the camp, 
fearing the presence of so large a body of enemies in his midst. 
Having fitted out a fleet of three vessels to co-operate by water, 
Menendez marched his soldiers a journey of eight days from 
St Augustine. Here he found the fugitives encamped and pre- 
pared to resist an attack-. Without delay the Spaniards were led 
to battle. The French, being poorly equipped, fought at a dis- 
advantage, and were forced to retire beyond the reach of the 
cannon of the fleet. Having captured the fortification, Menen- 
dez sent word to the French that if they would surrender he 
would spare their lives. A portion of the French refused to 
trust the pledge of the Spanish captain and withdrew to the 
woods. These were never heard of more. The remainder came 
to the Spanish camp and surrendered. 

After destroying the fort and setting fire to the wrecked 
vessels and the ships the French had built, the Spaniards sailed 
back to St. Augustine, bringing with them one hundred and 
fifty of the Frenchmen. To this remnant of the proud army 
of Ribaut the pledges given by Menendez were faithfully kept. 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 21. 

It is difficult to believe that the unfortunate condition of 
those shipwrecked Frenchmen, far from their kindred or race, 
thrown destitute upon desolate shores, and begging so earnestly, 
for life, did not move the heart of Menendez to feelings of pity. 
Doubtless a regard for his own safety, united with a furious 
fanaticism, too effectually sealed the spring of charity in his 
heart. 

Let us hope that the sands of Florida will never again be 
reddened by the hand of partisans. The result achieved by 
Menendez occasioned great rejoicing at the Court of Spain. 
Letters of gratulation and commendation were sent to him by 
Philip II and the Pontiff, Pius Y. The Pope's letter is an able, 
dispassionate epistle. After lauding the virtue of Menendez, 
he declared to him the key note to his inspiration and the mo- 
tive of his labors should prevent the Indian idolators from be- 
ing scandalized by the vices and l)ad habits of the Europeans- 



CHAPTER YU. 

Pius Fifth's Letter of Commendation to Menendez. 

To our Beloved Son and Noble Lord, Pedro Menendez de Avilex, 
Viceroy in the Province of Florida., in the Part of India : 

Beloved Son and Noble Sir — Health, Grace and the Bles- 
sing of our Lord be with you. Amen. 

im E" rejoice greatly to hear that our Dear and Beloved Son 
in Christ, Philip, Catholic King, has named and ap- 
pointed you Governor of Florida, creating you Adelantado 
thereof, for we hear such an account of your person, and so full 
and satisfactory a report of your virtue and nobility, that we 
believe without hesitation that you will not only faithfully, 
diligently and carefully perform the orders and instructions 
given you by so Catholic a king, but trust also that you, by 
your discretion and habit, will do all to effect the increase of 




22 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

our Holy Catholic faith, and gain more souls to God. I am 
well aware, as you know, that it is necessary to govern these 
Indians with good sense and discretion, that those who are 
weak in the faith from being newly converted be strengthened, 
and idolaters be converted and receive the faith of Christ; that 
the former may praise God, knowing the benefit of his divine 
mercy, and the latter, still infidels, may be brought to a knowl- 
edge of the truth; but nothing is more important in the con- 
version of these Indians and idolaters than to endeavor by all 
means to prevent scandal being given by the vices and immorali- 
ties of such as go to these western parts. This is the key of 
this holy work, in which is included the whole essence of your 
charge. 

You see, Noble Sir, without my alluding to it, how great 
an opportunity is offered you in farthering and aiding this 
cause, from which result first, serving the Almighty; second, 
increasing the name of your king, who will be esteemed by 
man, loved and rewarded by God. 

Giving you, then, our paternal and apostolical blessing, we 
beg and charge you to give full faith and credit to our brother, 
the Archbishop of Rossano, who in our name will explain our 
desire more at length. 

Given at Rome with the fishermanjs ring on the 18th day 
of August, in the year of our redemption 1569, the third of our 
pontificate. 

[signed] saint PIUS FIFTH, POPE. 




ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 23 

CHAPTER VIII. 

The Refusal of Charles the Ninth to Take Notice of the 
Slaughter OF his Subjects — Petition of Nine Hundred 
Widows and Orpans Unheeded — Menendez Strength- 
ens HIS Position. 

S the exaggerated report of the cruelties practiced by 
Menendez spread through Europe an intense and bitter 
feeling was excited. Indignation pervaded the breast of 
the French nation at the destruction of their fellow-country- 
men, although the king, Charles Ninth, failed, in fact refused to 
take notice of the slaughter of his faithful subjects. A petition of 
nine hundred widows and orphans of those who had sailed on 
that fatal expedition with Ribault was unheeded by this 
sovereign. That the fate of the Huguenots was merited as the 
common enemies of Spain, France and the Catholic religion, 
was the openly avowed sentiment of this unnatural, unpatriotic 
king. 

Feeling the insecurity of his position, from which there 
was no place of retreat in case of a successful attack from a 
foreign foe, Menendez applied himself with the utmost diligence 
to strengthening the defenses of his new town, at the same time 
he instituted measures to insure a permanent settlement, and 
the establishment of citil rights and privileges. 



CHAPTER IX. 

IjAYing Out the Town with its Defences — Erection of a 
Church and Hall of Justice. 

'HERE is but little doubt about the first landing of 
Menendez and the attendant ceremonies. It is certain 
that soon after the foundation of the town was laid on 
its present site, and the town with its fortifications regularly 
laid out. The city was originally planned to be three squares 




24 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

one way by four the other. At this time a stockade or forti- 
fication was built upon the site of the present fort. About the 
same period a parish church and hall of justice were erected 
and civil officers appointed. 

' During the winter succeeding the settlement of the Span- 
iards at St. Augustine there was a great scarcity of provisions 
in the colony, so that the settlers were forced to forage upon 
the neighboring Indians, and to depend upon such supplies of 
fish and game as they might secure. The danger which at- 
tended any expedition for hunting rendered this but a meager 
source of supply. Satovriva, the chief the Indians who inhabi- 
ted the territory to the north, between St. Augustine and the St. 
Johns River, had been friendly to Laudonniere, and from the 
time of the destruction of the French he continued unceasingly 
to wage war on the Spaniards. His method of warfare exhib" 
ited the same bravery and cunning that has since become char- 
acteristic of the Indians, never being found when looked for, 
ever present when unexpected. By the constant harrassing at- 
tacks encouraged by this chief, the Spaniards lost many valua- 
ble lives, among them Juan Menendez, nephew of the Gov- 
ernor. 

To obtain supplies to relieve the distress of his colony, 
Menendez undertook a voyage to Cuba. The governor of the 
island was, through jealousy, unwilling to render him any 
assistance, and he would have fared badly had he not found 
there four of his vessels which had been left in Spain with 
orders to follow him, but, meeting with many delays, had only 
lately arrived in Cuba. 

With these vessels he returned to his colony to find that 
during his absence a portion of the troops had mutinied and 
had imprisoned the master of the camp, who had been left in 
command, seized upon what provisions there remained, and 
taking possession of a small vessel arriving with stores, had 
set sail for Cuba. 

Menendez, with consummate tact, succeeded in rousing the 
flagging interest of his colony in the extension of the true 
religion, and managed by his courage and presence to remove 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 25 

the causes of dissension. Desiring to be rid of a portion of his 
colony who had proved quarrelsome, lazy and inimical to his 
interest, he sent a body of them, numbering one hundred, back 
to Cuba in one of the vessels going for supplies. The return 
of this vessel was anxiously looked for, as the colony had be- 
gun again to suffer from a scarcity of provisions and from 
sickness. Without waiting for affairs to become desperate, 
Menendez sailed for Cuba to obtain the needed supplies. Up- 
on his arrival he found the Governor of Mexico there, but so 
disparaging had been the reports of those who had deserted 
his standard that he was advised to give up his unprofitable 
enterprise, and the succor he requested was refused. His 
courage but rose as his circumstances became more adverse, 
and he determined not to relinguish his undertaking nor to 
return empty handed to his famishing colony. He pawned 
his jewels and the badge of his order for a sum of five hundred 
ducats, with which he purchased the necessary provisions and 
hastened back to Florida. Upon his return he was rejoiced to 
find that the distress of his colony had already been relieved. 
Admiral Jone de Avila had arrived from Spain with fifteen 
vessels and a thousand men and a large quantity of supplies, 
and, what was most gratifying to Menendez, a letter of com- 
mendation from his sovereign. 

Availing himself of the force now at his command, Menen- 
dez set out on an expedition to establish forts and missionary 
stations at different points along the coast, as had been his in- 
tention since his first landing in Florida. Several of these 
posts were, at this time, established by him in the territory 
then embraced in Florida, the most northerly station being on 
the Chesapeake Bay, which was the northern boundar}' of the 
possessions claimed by Spain. Priests or friars were left at each 
of these missionary posts for introducing Christianity among 
the Indians. Menendez became convinced that if these 
establishments were to be maintained, and the most important 
work of teaching the natives continued, he must have larger 
missions and greater forces at his command. Hoping to obtain 
this aid from his sovereign, he set out for Spain in the spring 



26 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

of 1567. Upon his arrival he was welcomed by the King with 
many flattering attentions and assurances of aid in the further- 
ance of his plan for propagating the Catholic faith. 




CHAPTER X. 
Expedition and Retaliation of De Gourgues. 

HILE Menendez was occupied in Spain in forwarding 
the interests of his colony, in France plans were being 
formed, and a secret enterprise undertaken for an at- 
tack on the Spanish posts in Florida. 

Most inflammatory and exaggerated accounts of the mas- 
sacre at Fort Carolina had been published throughout France. 
On? account says of the Spaniards that, after taking the fort, 
and finding no more men, they assailed the poor women, and 
after having by force and violence abused the greater part, they 
destroyed them, and cut the throats of the little children indis- 
criminately. They took as many of them alive as they could, 
and having kept them three days without giving them any- 
thing to eat, and having made them undergo all the tortures 
and all the mocking that could he devised, they hung them up 
to some trees near the fort. They even flayed the King's Lieu- 
tenant, and sent the skin to the King of Spain, and having torn 
out his eyes, blackened with their blows, they fastened them on 
the points of their daggers and tried which could throw them 
the greatest distance. 

The French King had refused to listen to the appeals of 
the relatives of the Huguenots who had been exterminated in 
Florida, but, distressed by the destruction of their countrymen, 
and the harrowing accounts of the massacre, many of the na- 
tion had long felt it a mortification that an outrage so gross 
should have received neither redress nor rebuke. 

Among those whose zealous regard for the national honor 
was touched bv the conduct of the French King, and in whose 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 27 

breast burned fiercely the fires of revenge, was the Chevalier 
Dominic de Gourgues. Appearing, as he does, in history as 
the avenger of the sad destruction of his countrymen, in an ex- 
pedition undertaken without solicitation, at his own expense, 
and at the risk of forfeiting his own life by the command of his 
King, even if he should be successful, it is but natural that his 
cliaracter should have been extolled, and his virtues exalted 
by all writers who have admired his chivalrous courage. 

De Gourgues was born of noble parentage at Mount Mar- 
san, in Guienne, and was said to have been a Catholic, though 
it is denied by the Spanish historians. His life had been spent 
in arms in the service of his King, in Scotland, Piedmont and 
Italy. His career was that of an adventurer, ever ready to risk 
his life to acquire honor and reputation, and having little de- 
sire to amass riches. While serving in Italy against the Span- 
iards he was taken prisoner and consigned to labor as a galley 
slave. This ignominious treatment of a soldier of his birth and 
rank left in his mind an unappeasable hatred of the Spaniards. 
His period of servitude was cut short by the capture of the 
Spanish galley upon which he served by a Turkish pirate, from 
whom, in turn, he was liberated by Rumeguas, the French com- 
mander at Malta. His experience during his imprisoment and 
escape seemed to have opened his eyes to the opportunities for 
plunder upon the seas. Soon after his release he entered upon 
a marauding expedition to the South seas, in which he secured 
considerable plunder. He had but recently returned home, 
and retired to enjoy in quiet the property acquired in his ven- 
tures, when the news of the destruction of Ribaut's colony 
reached France. Eager to retaliate by a severe punishment 
this outrage upon his countrymen, De Gourgues sold his prop- 
erty, and with the sum realized and what he could borrow on 
the credit of an alleged commercial venture, purchased and 
equipped a fleet of three vessels, one of which was nothing- 
more than a launch. 

Deeming it impolitic to make known the object of his voy- 
age, he obtained license to trade and procure slaves on the 
coast of Africa. He enlisted for a cruise of twelve months a 



28 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

force of one hundred and. eighty men, many of whom were 
gentlemen adventurers. He was careful to secure one, at least, 
of the men who escaped with Laudonniere from Fort Carolina. 
M. de Montluc, the King's Lieutenant in Guienue, a friend of 
De Gourgues, rendered him valuable assistance in securing his 
equipments. On the second of August, 1567, he left Bordeaux> 
but was delayed by a storm eight days at the mouth of the 
river Garonne. Afterw^ards, having put to sea, he was driven 
by stress of weather far out of his course, and encountered so 
severe a gale as to nearly wreck the fleet at Cape Finisterre. 
One vessel, in which was his lieutenant, was blown so far out 
of its course that for fifteen days it was supposed to be lost 
which caused him great trouble, as his people earnestly be- 
sought him to return. The missing vessel, however, met him 
off the coast of Africa. Land was then kept in sight until they 
reached Cape Verde; thence, taking the direct route to the In- 
dies, he sailed before the wind upon the high seas, and having 
crossed over, the first land which he made was the Island of 
Dominique. From thence, he proceeded, stopping at the Island 
of St. Domingo to weather a gale, and at the Island of Cuba for 
water, which he had to take by force, for he says: "The Span- 
iards are enraged as soon as they see a Frenchman in the In- 
dies, for, altogether, a hundred Spains could not furnish men 
enough to hold the hundredth part of a land so vast and capa- 
cious, nevertheless, it is the mind of the Spaniards that this 
new world was never created except for them, and that it be- 
longs to no man living to step on it or breathe in it save them - 
selves alone." 

De Gourgues had not revealed the real object of his expedi- 
tion until after leaving the Island of Cuba, when he assembled 
all his men and declared to them his purpose of going to Flor- 
ida to avenge on the Spaniards the injury which had been done 
to the King and to all France. He set before them the treach- 
ery and cruelty of those w^lio had massacred Frenchmen, and 
the shame that it was to have left it so long unpunished ; an 
action so wicked and so humiliating, and the honor and satis- 
faction that would redound to them in removing from the es- 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 29 

cutcheon of France this foul blot. The spirit of the address 
was suited to the French temper, and they professed themselves 
ready to fight for the honor of France wherever the Captain 
should lead. Proceeding on the voyage the fleet passed the 
bar of the St. Johns river in sight of the forts which Menendez 
had constructed at the mouth of the river. The Spaniards 
mistook them for their own vessels, fired two guns as a salute, 
which was returned by the French, desiring to continue the 
deception. The fleet sailed north and entered the St. Marys 
river, where they met a large body of Indians prepared to dis- 
pute any attempt to land. Seeing this De Gourgues made 
friendly demonstrations, and sent out the man who had been 
with Laudonniere. The Indians readily recognized the French- 
man, and were delighted to find the strangers were of that na- 
tion and enemies of the Spaniards. The chief proved to be 
Satouriva, the firm friend of Laudonniere. After learning 
the purpose of the expedition, Satouriva promised to join the 
command at the end of ten days with his whole force of warri- 
ors, declaring himself eager to revenge the many injuries he had 
himself received, as well as the wrongs inflicted on the French. 
Among Satourioura's tribe was a white child, a refugee 
from Laudonniere's massacre at Fort Carolina, who had been 
protected and reared as a son by the old chief, though the Span- 
iards had made strenuous efforts to secure possession of him or 
compass his death. This child's name was Peter de Bre, whom 
Satouriva had so faithfully defended, and he now brought him 
to the French ships, together with his warriors, as he had agreed. 
Being joined by the Indians, De Gourgues set out across the 
country, under the guidance of the chief, Helicopali, to attack 
the two forts at the mouth of the river. The Indians had prom- 
ised to bring the command to the fort on the north side of the 
river by daybreak, but, owing to the difficulty in following the 
intricate paths and fording deep creeks, they were nine hours 
marching four leagues, and the sun was rising as they reached 
the vicinity of the Spanish fort. This fort was built on Balton 
Island, near what is now Pilot Town; the other fort was nearly 
opposite, in the vicinity of the present village of Mayport. Both 



30 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

were armed with cannon taken from the French at the capture 
of Fort Carolina. 

The Spaniards, not fearing a land attack upon the fort on 
Balton Island, had neglected to clear away the woods in the 
vicinity, so the French were concealed until they were close 
upon the fort. As they rushed from their cover the Spanish 
sentinel fired twice, when he was pierced by the pike of Alaca- 
tora, an Indian chief and nephew of Satouriva. The Spanish 
garrison were at breakfast, and before they could be summoned 
the fort was filled with the French and Indians. So complete 
was the surprise that there was but little resistance. As many 
as possible were taken alive, by command of Captain Gourgues„ 
in order to do to them as they had done to the French. 

As soon as the Spaniards whose lives were spared in the 
attack could be secured, De Gourgues embarked as large a por- 
tion of his soldiers as the boats at his disposal would carry, and 
hurried to cross the river to attack the fort at Mayport. The 
Indians, now wild with excitement, threw themselves into the 
water and kept alongside of the boats, swimming with their 
bows and arrows held above their heads. The Spaniards in 
the fort had by this time begun to realize the situation, and 
directed the fire of their guns upon the boats and Indians. 
Their excitement and alarm was so great that they did not per- 
ceive a difference between the French and Indians, and seeing 
so great a multitude approaching, they broke in terror and fled 
from the fort before the French reached the walls. The garri- 
son of the two forts was near one hundred and forty men, all 
but fifteen of whom w^ere either killed in the attack or slain by 
the Indians as they attempted to reach the mainland. 

The capture of these two forts occurred on the eve of the 
first Sunday after Easter, 1568. Crossing to the fort first taken 
De Gourgues rested on Sunday and Monday. Scaling ladders 
and other preparations for an attack on the main fort were in 
the meantime being prepared. While here a Spanish spy, dis- 
guised as an Indian, was recognized by Alacatora and brought 
to De Gourgues. From him it was learned that the French force 
was estimated at quite two thousand men, and that the garri- 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 31 

son of Mateo, formerly Fort Carolina, was two hundred and 
sixty men. 

Hearing this report De Gourgues was more anxious than 
ever to make an immediate attack. He directed the Indians 
to advance, some on each side of the river, and take up posi- 
tion in the vicinity of the fort. Early on the morning of the 
next day he moved his forces up the river and gained a moun- 
tain covered with forest, at the foot of which was built the fort. 
He had not intended to attack the fort until the day after his 
arrival, but while posting his men and the Indian forces, it 
happened that the Spaniards made a sally with sixty arque- 
busiers to reconnoiter his forces. 

This body he succeeded in cutting off from the fort and 
totally destroying. Seeing the fate of so large a part of their 
garrison the remainder of the Spaniards left the fort, in the 
hope that they might make their way to St. Augustine. En- 
tering the woods they were everywhere met by the Indians. 
None escaped, and but few taken alive. Entering the fort the 
French found a number of fine cannon, besides a great quan- 
tity of small arms, such as arquebuses, corslets, shields and 
pikes. 

The Frenchmen were now upon the scene of the massa- 
cre of their countrymen, and, as the taunting irony of the 
tablet erected by Menendez was before their eyes, the spirit of 
vengeance was aroused. Ordering all the Spaniards who had 
been taken alive to be led to the place where they had hung 
the Frenchmen, De Gourgues rebuked them in scathing terms. 
He declared they could never undergo the punishment which 
they deserved, but it was necessary to make an example of 
them, that others might learn to keep the peace which they 
had so wickedly violated. 

This said, they were tied to the same trees on which they 
had hung the Frenchmen, and in the place of the inscription 
which Peter Menendez had put over them, containing these 
words in the Spanish language : " I do this not as to French- 
men, but Lutherans," so De Gourgues, in like manner, erected 
an inscription that he had done this to them not as to Span- 



32 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

iards, nor as to outcasts, but as to traitors, thieves and mur- 
derers. 

One of the Spaniards is said to have confessed that he had 
hung up five Frenchmen with his own hand, and acknowl- 
edged that God had brought him to the punishment he de- 
served. The next day, while frying fish, an Indian set fire to 
a train of powder laid by the Spaniards, which had not been 
discovered, and the whole interior of the fort was destroyed. 
Being aware that his forces were too weak to hold the country, 
and 1 laving accomplished all that he crossed the ocean to per- 
form, De Gourgues completed the destruction of the fort and, bid- 
ding adieu to the Indians, sailed for France. The fleet arrived 
at La Rochelle on the 6th of June, after a voyage of thirty-four 
days. The loss of life in the enterprise had been but " a few 
gentlemen of good birth," a few soldiers in the attack, and 
eight men on the launch which was lost at sea. 

Being received with all honor, courtesy and kind treatment 
by the citizens of La Rochelle, where he remained a few days, 
De Gourgues then sailed for Bordeaux. The Spaniards being 
advised of his arrival, and what he had done in Florida, sent a 
large ship and eighteen launches to surprise and capture him. 
This formidable fleet arrived in the roadstead of La Rochelle 
the very day of his departure. The head of De Gourgues was 
demanded, and a price set upon it by the King of Spain- 
Though his acts were repudiated by the French King, he was 
protected and concealed by Marigny, President of the Council, 
and by the Receiver, Vacquieux. After a time he was the re- 
cipient of marked honors at the French court, and died in 
1582, to the great grief of such as knew him. 

Thus ends the sad drama of the slaughter of twelve hun- 
dred men or more. That both Menendez and De Gourgues de- 
served great censure no one can deny. We must remember, 
however, that if Menendez had taken all the Frenchmen pris- 
oners that he killed famine would have stared him in the face. 
He was appointed Adelantado of Florida under the promise of 
driving out the French and colonizing this territory. Could 
he have fed the French prisoners if he had captured them? 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. • 33 

Would it not have caused the abandonment of the colonization 
of this territory? His great care and sacrifice for his colony 
in after years, and his great labor for the establishment of the 
Christian religion among the Indians shows conclusively that 
he was not altogether hard of heart. 

Who can tell what would have been the result of French 
colonization in this territory at this time, instead of the Span- 
ish, to whom it undoubtedly belonged by right of discovery? 

That De Gourgues was influenced by revenge for the indig- 
nities placed upon him while a prisoner of war in the hands of 
the Spaniards cannot be doubted. His great patriotism, the 
honor of his country, together with the exaggerated report of 
the cruel slaughter of his countrymen, led him to this terrible 
retribution and slaughter of the Spaniards. 

While these events were transpiring Menendez had com- 
pleted his equipment, and sailed with a fresh supply of men 
and means for his colonies in Florida. His first information 
of the disaster which had overtaken his post on the St. Johns 
was received after his arrival at St. Augustine. So humiliat- 
ing a disaster as the capture of three of his forts, well fortified 
and garrisoned with four hundred trained men, was the occa- 
sion of great mortification and vexation to this gallant knight, 
especially since the victors were the avengers of the former 
colonists, and the forces that accomplished the affair were so 
greatly outnumbered by his soldiers, who were also well de- 
fended by strong forts. To add to the discouragement, the 
condition of the colony at St. Augustine was found to be most 
distressing. The garrison was nearly naked, the colonists half- 
starved, and the attacks of the Indians growing more frequent 
and reckless as the weakness and despondence of the Spaniards 
became more apparent. The intrepid and indomitable spirit 
of Menendez did not bend under these obstacles and reverses, 
which would have crushed a nature of ordinary mould. His 
extraordinary and comprehensive genius opened a way, in the 
midst of almost superhuman difficulties, for the maintenance 
of his colony and the extension of the Catholic faith, the object 
to which his life was now devoted. Perceiving the insecurity 



34 • ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

of the garrisons at a distance from each other, and the princi- 
pal post, he wisely concluded to preserve his force entire for St. 
Augustine, and thus maintain the colony and a base of opera- 
tions. The spread of the Catholic faith he determined to se- 
cure by inducing the different tribes of Indians to receive and 
support one or more missionaries or teachers. At the earnest 
solicitation of Menendez large numbers of priests, friars and 
brothers of the various religious orders of the Cathohc Church 
had been sent to Florida by the King of Spain. Mission houses 
were built all over the country, from the Florida capes on the 
south to the Chesapeake on the north, and the Mississippi on 
the west, to which these teachers, being mostly Franciscans, 
were sent. By the mildness of their manners, the promise of 
future joys and rewards which their teaching declared, and the 
interest excited by the introduction of the arts of civilized life, 
they gained a powerful ascendency over the native tribes, that 
promised at one period the conversion of the whole North 
American Indian race to the religion and customs of their 
Christian teachers. This would have amply compensated for 
all the efforts, treasures and lives expended by the Europeans 
in the conquest of the New World ; in fact, it would have been 
a wonderful revolution, that might well have been considered 
a miraculous dispensation of Providence. 

It is due to the grand, comprehensive conception of Menen- 
dez that there was initiated this plan of mission stations through 
the Floridas, which so nearly accomplished this happy result. 
That the ultimate success of the efforts to Christianize the In- 
dians was not attained was probably owing to the political 
changes that occurred in Europe in the eighteenth century. 
In both France and Spain the Jesuits fell into disgrace, and 
the most rigorous measures of suppression and banishment 
were adopted against them. The Jesuit mission in Florida 
shared the fate of their order in the Old World, and thus the 
encouraging prospect of Christianizing the Indians was swept 
away forever. 

Under Menendez and his immediate successors, whom he 
named and who followed his counsels, were founded those 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 35 

missionar}'^ establishments whose ruins have been at a later 
period a subject of curious investigation through Middle Flor- 
ida. Menendez, finding that the interests of the colony were 
neglected at the Spanish court, and that the maintenance of 
the colony was daily impoverishing himself, resolved to return 
permanently to Spain, where he hoped that his influence 
would be able to accomplish more benefit to the undertaking 
in Florida than could be expected to accrue from his presence 
in the territory. Leaving the province under the command 
of his nephew, Don Pedro Menendez, he sailed for Spain in 
1572. Upon his arrival all the honors of the court were 
lavished upon him, and his counsels were eagerly sought in 
the various affairs of state. He was not destined to enjoy his 
honors long, nor to reap new laurels in the European wars of 
the Spanish crown. In the midst of his glory his career was 
suddenly ended by his death from fever in 1574. His rank 
and memory are perpetuated in the Church of St. Nicholas at 
Orbilas by a monument, on which is inscribed the following 
epitaph : 

" Here lies buried the illustrious Captain Pedro Menendez 
de Aviles, a native of this cit}', Adelantado of the Province of 
Florida, Knight Commander of Santa Cruz, of the Order of 
Santiago, and Captain General of the Oceanic seas, and of the 
Armada which his Royal Highness collected at Santander, in 
the year 1574, where he died on the 17th of September of 
that year, in the fifty-fifth year of his age." 

Following out the instructions of Menendez, De las Alas, 
the new governor of Florida, assembled a council from the 
different missions in the province for the purpose of consider- 
ing methods of extending the Catholic faith. In pursuance of 
the advice of this council, embassies were sent to all the tribes 
of Indians for several hundred miles around St. Augustine. 

Spanish garrisons and many Spanish monks to teach the 
Indians had already been received into the towns east of the 
Apalachicola river. In 1583 the Chickasaws, Tocoposcas, 
Apacas, Tamaicas, Apiscas and Alabamas received the mis- 
sionaries. At this period the Catholic faith was recognized as 



36 ST. AUCiUSTINE, FLA. 

far west as the Mississippi and as far north as the mountains 
of Georgia. 

The Franciscans and Dominicans had been the first to 
represent the monks in the New World. Afterwards came the 
Fathers of Mercy, the Augustinians and the Jesuits. Although 
Florida was included in the diocese of the Bishop of Cuba, it 
was decided to establish a convent of the Order of St. Francis 
at St. Augustine. I find the name originally given to this 
convent was the " Conception of Our Lady," though it is gen- 
erally referred to as St. Helena. 

This name, St. Helena, was applied to all the establish- 
ments throughout the province, of which the great Franciscan 
house at St. Augustine was to be the center. 



CHAPTER X. 




Attack of Sir Francis Drake o'^ St. Augustine, 8th of 
May, 1586, Capturing £2,000 Sterling. 

JNE years had elapsed from the death of Menendez, the 
colony at St. Augustine had slowly progressed into the 
settlement of a small town, but the importance which 
the presence of Menendez had given it was much lessened. 
In 1586 Sir Francis Drake, with a fleet returning from South 
America, discovered the Spanish lookout upon Anastasia Is- 
land and sent boats ashore to ascertain something in reference 
to it. Marching up the shore they discovered across the bay a 
fort and a town built of wood. 

Proceeding towards the fort, which bore the name of San 
Juan de Pinos, some guns were fired upon them from it : they 
retired towards their vessel. The same evening a fifer made 
his appearance and informed them that he was a Frenchman, 
detained a prisoner there, and that the Spaniards had aban- 
doned! their fort ; he offered to conduct them over. Upon this 
information they crossed the river and found the fort aban- 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 37 

doned as they had been informed, and took possession of it 
without opposition. It was built of wood and only surrounded 
by a wall or pale, formed of the trunks of large trees set up- 
right in the earth. The platforms were made of the bodies of 
large trees laid horizontally across each other, with earth 
rammed in to fill the vacancies ; fourteen brass cannon were 
found in the fort. There was left behind the treasure chest, 
containing £2,000 sterling, designed for the payment of the 
troops in the garrison, which consisted of one hundred and 
fifty men. On the following day Drake's forces marched to- 
wards the town, but owing to heavy rains they were obliged 
to return and go in boats. On their approach the Spaniards 
fled into the country. A Spaniard concealed in the bush fired 
at the sergeant-major and wounded him, and then ran up and 
dispatched him. In revenge for this act Drake burnt their 
buildings and destroyed their gardens. The garrison and in- 
habitants retired to Fort San Mateo on the St. Johns river. 



CHAPTER XL 




Establishment of Missons — Massacre of the Mission- 
aries BY the Indians. 

fHE garrison and country were under the command of 
Don Pedro Menendez, a nephew of the Adelantado, 
who, after the English squadron sailed, having re- 
ceived assistance from Havana, began to rebuild the city. In 
1592 twelve Franciscan missionaries arrived at St. Augustine 
with their Superior, Fray Jean de Silva, and placed them- 
selves under the charge of Father Francis Manon, warden of 
the convent of St. Helena. One of them, a Mexican, Father 
Frincis Panja, drew up in the language of the Yemasees his 
"Abridgement of Christian Doctrine," the first work compiled 
in our Indian languages. 



38 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 



The Franciscan Father Corpa established a mission house 
for the Indians at Tolomato, in the northwest portion of the 
city of St. Augustine, where there was an Indian village. 
Father Bias de Rodriguez, called Montes, had an Indian 
church at a village of the Indians called Topiqui, situated on 
the creek called Conodo la Leche, north of the fort, and a 
church bearing the name of "Our Lady of the Milk" was 
situated on the elevated ground a quarter of a mile north of 
the fort, near the creek. A stone church existed at this locality 
as late as 1795, and the crucifix belonging to it was preserved 
in the Catholic church at St. xlugustine. 

These missions proceeded with considerable apparent suc- 
cess, large numbers of the Indians being received and in- 
structed both at this and other missions. 

Among the converts at the mission of Tolomato was the 
son of the Cacique of the Island of Guale. Wearying of the 
restraints on his passions required by the Christian law, he fell 
into great excesses, and at last went off to a pagan band. Finding- 
kindred spirits there he resolved to silence the priest who had 
reproved him; the}' returned by night to Father Carpa's vil- 
lage of Talomato. Taking up his post near the church he 
waited for the dawn of day. When Father Carpa opened the 
door of his little cabin to proceed to the church the conspir- 
ators tomahawked him, and cutting off his head set it on a 
pole. Having brought his comrades to imbrew their hands in 
blood, the young chief easily persuaded them to kill all the 
religious Spaniards. 

Proceeding then to the town Topiqui, they burst into the 
house of Father Bias Rodriguez. The missionary endeavored 
to show them the wickedness and folly of their conduct, which 
would entail punishment here and hereafter; but finding his 
words of no avail, he asked the Indians to allow^ him to say 
mass. They granted his request, moved by a respect which 
they could not understand. The good priest, with his expectant 
murderers for his congregation, offered the holy sacrifice for 
the last time, and then knelt down before his altar to receive 
the deathblow which enabled him to make his thanksgiving 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 



39 



to heaven. His body was piously interred by an old Christian 
Indian after the murderers had departed. 

Learning of the approach of a band bent on massacre, 
Father IVIichael Hanon at Assopo, said mass, and gave com- 
munion to Brother Anthony Badajoz, his companion. They 
knelt in prayer till the apostates came, who first dispatched 
the brother, then with two blows of their war-club crowned 
Father Michael with martyrdom. The weeping Christians in- 
terred the bodies at the foot of the tall mission cross. 

On reaching Asao the .insurgents found that Father 
Francis de Velascola had gone to St. Augustine, but they lurked 
amid the vegetation on the shore till they saw his canoe ap- 
proaching. When the Franciscan landed they accosted him 
as friends, they fearing his great strength, seized him suddenly 
and slew him. Father Francis Davila, at Ospo, endeavored to 
escape at night, but the moon revealed him and he fell into 
their hands pierced by two arrows. An old Indian prevented 
their cruel work, and the missionary, stripped and suffering, 
was sent ashore to a pagan village. 

From thence the ferocious young chief of Guale led his 
followers against several missions, in other parts of the country, 
which he attacked and destroyed, together with the attendant 
clergy. Thus upon the soil of the Ancient City was shed the 
blood of Christian martyrs, who were laboring with zeal well 
worthy emulation, to carry the truths of religion to the native 
tribes of Florida. Over two hundred and eighty years have 
passed away since these sad scenes were enacted ; but we can- 
not even now repress a tear of sympathy and a feeling of ad- 
miration for those self-denying missionaries of the cross, who 
sealed their faith with their blood, and fell victims to their 
energy and devotion. The spectacle of the dying priest struck 
down at the altar, attired in his sacred vestments, and implor- 
ing pardon upon his murderers, cannot fail to call up in the 
heart of the most insensible something more than a passing 
emotion. 

The zeal of the Franciscans was only increased by this 
disaster, and each succeeding year brought an addition to their 



40 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

number. They posted their missions in the interior of the 
country so rapidly that in less than two years they had estab- 
lished through the principal towns of the Indians no less than 
twenty mission houses. 

On the 14th of March, 1599, the Convent of San Fran- 
cisco, at St. Augustine, was destroyed by fire, and till the build- 
ing could be restored the Fathers occupied the Hermitage of 
Nuesta de la Soledad, which had previously been used as a 
hospital. It was several years before it was rebuilt. 

In 1611 the prelate, St. Francisco Marroze, custodio from 
the Convent of St. Francisco of the Havana, together with 
the St. Helena Fr. Miguel de Annon and Fr. Pedro de Nocas, 
fell martyrs by the hands of the Indians, who are said to have 
pillaged the town after having driven the inhabitants to seek 
protection under the guns of the fort or stockade. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Capture op the Apalachian Indians and Their Work on 
THE Defences of St. Augustine — Progress of the 
Colony. 

'N 1638 the Apalachian Indians were captured by the 
Spaniards. They were subdued by the force sent 
against them. In 1640 large numbers of them were 
brought to St. Augustine to work on the fort and other public 
works. At this period the English settlements along the coast 
to the northward had began to be formed, much to the un- 
easiness and displeasure of the Spanish Crown, which for a 
long time claimed, by virtue of exploration and occupation, as 
well as by the ancient papal grant of Alexander, all of the 
eastern coast of the country. 

Their missionaries had penetrated Virginia before the set- 
tlement of Jamestown. They built a fort in South Carolina, 
and kept up a garrison for some years; but the Spanish Gov- 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 41 

ernment had become too feeble to compete with either the 
English or the French on the seas. With the loss of their cele- \ 
brated armada perished forever their pretensions as a naval 
power. They were forced to look to the safety of their settle- 
ment in Florida. The easy capture of the fort at St. Augus- 
tine by the passing squadron of Drake evinced the necessity 
of works of a much more formidable character. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Captain Davis' Attack on the City — The Commencement of 
THE Sea Wall. 

'N 1663 Captain Davis, one of the English buccaneers, and 
a fleet of eight vessels came on the coast from Jamaica, 
to intercept the Spanish plate fleet on its return from 
New Spain to Europe ; but being disappointed in this scheme, 
he proceeded along the coast of Florida and came off" St 
Augustine, where he landed and marched directly upon the 
town, which he sacked and plundered without meeting oppo- 
sition from the Spaniards, although they had a garrison of two 
hundred men in the fort, which at that time was an octagon, 
fortified and defended by round towers. 

The fortifications were probably very incomplete, and 
with a vastly inferior force it is not surprising that they did 
not undertake what could only ha^e been an ineffectual resist- 
ance. It does not appear that the fort was taken ; the inhab- 
itants probably retired within the fort with their valuables. 

In 1687 Captain Don Juan de Ayala went to Spain in his 
own vessel to procure additional forces and munitions for the 
garrison at St. Augustine. He received the men and munitions 
desired, and as a reward for his diligence and patriotism he 
also received the privilege of carrying merchandise duty free ; 
being also allowed to take twelve Spanish negroes for the cul- 
tivation of the fields of Florida, of whom it is said there was 



4 '2 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

a great want in that province. By a mischance he was only 
able to carry one negro there with the troops and other cargo. 
He was received witli universal joy. 

Don Diego de Quiroga y A'osado, the Governor of Florida, 
in 1690, finding that the sea was making dangerous encroach- 
ments upon the shores of the town, and reached even the 
houses, threatening to swallow them up and render useless the 
fort which had cost so much money and labor to put in the 
state of CDmpletion in which it then was, called a public meet- 
ing of the chief men and citizens of the place and proposed to 
them, in order to escape the danger which menaced them and 
to restrain the force of the sea, they should construct a sea wall 
which should run from the castle and protect the city from all 
the danger of the sea. The inhabitants not only approved of 
his proposal, but began the work with so much zeal that the 
soldiers gave more than seventeen hundred dollars of their 
wages, although they were very much behind, not having been 
paid in six years, with which the Governor began to make 
the necessary preparations, and sent forward a dispatch to the 
home government upon the subject. 

The Council of War of the Indies approved in the follow- 
ing year of the works of the sea wall, and directed the Viceroy 
of New Spain to furnish ten thousand dollars for it, and 
directed that a plan and estimate of the work should be for- 
warded. Quiroga was succeeded in the Governorship of Florida 
by Don Lauseano de Torres, who went forward with the work 
of the sea wall. He received for this purpose the means fur- 
nished by the soldiers and one thousand dollars more, which 
they offered besides the two thousand dollars, and likewise six 
thousand dollars which had come from New Spain remitted 
by the Viceroy, Count de Galleo, for the purpose of building a 
tower for a lookout to observe the surrounding Indian settle- 
ments. The tower erected on the northeast bastion of the fort is 
evidently the one built for the lookout, sea and landward also. 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 43 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Governor Moore's Attack on St. Augustine, 1702. 

c^^ OSTILITIES bad broken out between England and 
|§) Spain in 1702. The English settlements in Carolina 
•^/ only numbered about seven thousand inhabitants 
when Governor Moore, who was an ambitious and energetic 
man, but with serious defects of character, led an invading 
force from Carolina against St. Augustine. The pretense was 
to retaliate for injuries, and, by taking the initiative, to prevent 
an attack upon themselves. The real motive was said by 
Governor Moore's opponents at home to have been the acqui- 
sition of military reputation and private gain. 

The plan of the expedition embraced a combined attack 
by land and sea. For this purpose six hundred provincial 
militia were embodied with an etiual number of Indian allies. 
A portion of the military were to go inland by boats and by 
land under the command of Colonel Daniels, who is spoken of 
as a good officer, while the main body proceeded with the Gov- 
ernor by sea in several merchant schooners and ships im- 
pressed for the service. The Spaniards, who had received inti- 
mation of the contemplated attack, placed themselves in the 
best posture of defence in their power, and laid up provisions 
in the castle to withstand a long siege. 

The forces under Colonel Daniels arrived in advance of the 
naval fleet of the expedition and immediately moved upon the 
town. The inhabitants, upon his approach, retired within the 
spacious walls of the castle. Colonel Daniels entered and took 
possession of the town, the larger part of which, it must be rec- 
ollected, was a short distance from the castle. 

The description given by Oldmixon is as follows : 

" Colonel Robert Daniels, a brave man, commanded a party 
who were to go up the river in periaguas, to come upon St. Au- 
gustine on the land side, while the Governor sailed thither to 
attack it by sea. They both set out in August, 1702. Colonel 
Daniels, on his way, took St. Johns, a small Spanish settlement; 
also St. Marys, another little village belonging to the Spaniards. 



44 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

after which he proceeded to St. Augustine. He came before 
the town, entered and took possession, Governor Moore not 
having arrived with the fleet. 

"The inhabitants having notice of the approach of the 
EngHsh had packed up their best effects and retired with them 
into the castle, which was surrounded by a deep and broad 
moat. They had laid up provisions there for four months, and 
resolved tojdefend themselves to the last extremity. However, 
Colonel Daniels found a considerable booty in the town. The 
next day the Governor came ashore, his troops following him ; 
they entrenched and posted their guards in the church and 
blocked up the castle. The English held possession of the 
town a whole month ; but finding they could do nothing, for 
want of mortars and bombs, they sent a sloop to Jamaica to 
procure them, but the commander of the sloop, instead of going 
thither, came to Carolina, out of fear of treachery. Finding 
others who offered to go in his stead, he proceeded on the voy- 
age, after he had lain some time at Charlestown. 

"The garrison all this while lay before the castle of Augus- 
tine in the expectation of the return of the sloop, which, hear- 
ing nothing of, the Governor sent Colonel Daniels, who was the 
life of the action, to Jamaica on the same errand. This gentle- 
man, being hearty in the design, procured a supply of bombs 
and returned towards Augustine ; but, in the meantime, two 
ships appeared in the offing, and being taken to be two very 
large men-of-war, the Governor thought fit to raise the siege 
and abandon his ships, with a great quantity of stores, ammu- 
nition and provisions to the enemy; upon which the two men- 
of-war entered the port of Augustine and took the Governor's 
ships. Some say he burnt them himself (certain it is they 
were lost to the English), and that he returned to Charlestown 
overland, three hundred miles from Augustine. The two men- 
of-war that were thought so large proved to be two small frig- 
ates — one of eighty -two and the other of sixteen guns. 

"When Colonel Daniels came back to St. Augustine he 
was chased, but got away, and Governor Moore retreated with 
no great honor homewards. His periaguas lay at St Johns, where 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 45 

the Governor retired, and from there to Charlestown, only los- 
ing two men on the whole expedition. 

"Arratomakaw, King of the Yamiaseans, who commanded 
the Indians, retreated to the periaguas with the rest and there 
slept upon their oars with a great deal of bravery and uncon- 
cern. The Governor's sailors taking a false alarm and think- 
ing the Spaniards were coming, did not like the slow pace 
of the Indian King in his flight ; to quicken him bade them to 
make more haste, but he replied ; 'No, if your Governor leaves 
you, I will not stir until I have seen all my men before me.' " 

The Spanish accounts say he burned the town; this state- 
ment is confirmed by the report made on the 18th of July, 
1740, by a committee of the Houseof Commons of the province 
of South Carolina, in which it is said, referring to these trans- 
actions, that Moore was obliged to retreat, but not without 
first burning the town. 

It seems that the plunder carried off by Moore's troops 
was considerable ; his enemies charged at the time that he sent 
off a sloop-load to Jamaica. In an old colonial document of 
South Carolina it is represented "that the late unfortuned, ill- 
contrived and worst managed expedition against St. Augustine 
was principally set on foot by the late Governor and his ad- 
herents, and that if any person in the said late Assembly un- 
dertook to speak against it and to show how unfit and unable 
we were at that time for such an attempt, he was presently 
looked upon by them as an enemy and traitor to his country, 
and reviled and affronted in the said Assembly ; although the 
true design of the said expedition was no other than catching 
and making slaves of the Indians for private advantage and 
impoverishing the country. * * * The expedition was evi- 
dently to enrich themselves particularly, because whatsoever 
booty, such as rich silks, a great quantity of church plate, with 
money and other costly church ornaments and utensils, taken 
by our soldiers at St. Augustine, are now detained in the posses- 
sion of the said late Governor and his officers, contrary to an act 
of the Assembly made for an equal division of the same amongst 
the soldiers." 



46 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

The Spanish accounts of this expedition of Moore's are 
very meager; they designated him as the Governor of St. George, 
by which name they called the harbor of Charleston, and 
they also speak of the plunder of the town and the burning of 
the greater part of the houses. Don Joseph Curriga was then 
the Governor of the city, and had received just previous to the 
English attack reinforcements from Havana, and had repaired 
and strengthened the fortifications to a considerable extent. 

The retreat of the English was celebrated with great re- 
joicing by the Spaniards, who had been for three months shut 
up within the limited space of the walls of the castle, and they 
gladly repaired their ruined homes, and made good the ravages 
of the English invasion. An English account says that the two 
vessels which appeared off the bar and caused Moore's precip- 
itate retreat contained but two hundred men, and had he 
awaited Colonel Daniels' return with the siege guns and 
ammunition, the castle would have fallen into their hands. 

In the same year the King of Spain, alarmed at the danger 
which menaced his possessions in Florida, gave greater atten- 
tion to the strengthening of the defences of St. Augustine, and 
forwarded considerable reinforcement to the garrison as well 
as additional supplies of munitions for the troops. 

The works were directed to be strengthened, which Gov- 
ernor Curriga thought not as strong as had been represented, 
and that the sea wall in the course of erection was insufficient 
for the purpose for which it was designed. Sixty years had 
elapsed since the Apalachian Indians had been conquered and 
compelled to labor upon the fortifications of St. Augustine. 
Their chiefs now asked that they might be relieved from fur- 
ther compulsory labor. After the usual number of references 
and reports and informations through the Spanish circumlo- 
cution offices this was graciously granted in a compulsory 
form, until their services should be again required. 

During the year 1712a great scarcity of provisions, caused 
by the failure of the usual supply vessels, reduced the inhab- 
itants of St. Augustine to the verge of starvation, and for two 
or three months they were obliged to live upon horses, cats,. 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 47 

dogs and other disgusting animals. It seems strange that, af- 
ter a settlement of nearly one hundred and fifty years, the 
Spaniards in Florida should still be dependent upon the im- 
portation of provisions for their support, and that anything 
like the distress indicated should prevail, with the abundant 
resources they had from the fish, oysters, turtle and clams of 
the sea, and the arrowroot and cabbage tree palm of the land. 
I The English settlements were now extending into the in- 
terior portions of South Carolina. The French had renewed 
their efforts at settlement and colonization up the rivers dis- 
charging into the Gulf of Mexico. All three nations were com- 
petitors for the trade with the Indians, and kept up an in- 
triguing rivalship for this trade for more than a hundred years. 

There seems to have been at this period a policy pursued 
by the Spanish authorities in Florida of the most reprehensible 
character. The strongest efforts were made to attach all the 
Indian tribes to the Spanish interests. They were encouraged 
to carry on a system of plunder and annoyance upon the Eng- 
lish settlements of Carolina. They seized upon all the negroes 
they could obtain and carried them to the Governor at St. Au- 
gustine, who invariably refused to surrender them, alleging that 
he was acting under the instructions of his government in so 
doing. 

In 1704 Governor Moore made a sweeping and vigorous 
incursion against the Indian towns in Middle Florida, all of 
whom were in the Spanish interests. He broke up the towns 
and destroyed the missions attached to them. 



48 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

CHAPTER XV. 

Colonel Palmer's Invasion of Florida. 

'N 1725 Colonel Palmer determined, since no satisfaction 
could be obtained for the incursions of the Spaniards 
and Indians, and the loss of their slaves, to make a de- 
scent upon them. With a party of three hundred men he 
entered Florida with the intention of visiting upon the prov- 
ince all the desolation of retributive warfare. 

He went to the very gates of St. Augustine and compelled 
the inhabitants to seek protection within the castle. In his 
course he swept everything before him, destroying every house, 
field and improvement within his reach, carrying off the live 
stock and everything else of value. The Spanish Indians who 
fell within his power were slain in large numbers ; many were 
taken prisoners. Outside of the walls of St. Augustine nothing 
was left undestroyed. The Spanish authorities received a 
memorable lesson in the law of retribution. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Oglethorpe's Attack on St. Augustine and Siege of Fort 

San Marco. 

,„^ NGLAND claimed and occupied the country up to the 

It?) I 

n^n margin of the St. Johns, and established a post at St. 
George Island. This was deemed an invasion of their 
territory by the Spaniards. The post was attacked, unfairly, 
the English say, and some of their men murdered. Ogle- 
thorpe upon this, ''acting under the instructions of the home 
government," commenced hostilities by arranging a joint attack 
of the forces of South Carolina and Georgia, with a view to the 
entire conquest of Florida. 

The instructions of the King of England to Oglethorpe 
were that he should make a naval and land attack upon St. 
Augustine. If it shall please God to give you success, you are 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 49 

either to demolish the fort or bastions, or put a garrison in it, 
in case you shall have men enough for that purpose, which 
last, it is thought, will be the best to prevent the Spaniards 
from endeavoring to retake and settle the said place at any 
time hereafter. 

Don Manuel Monteano was then Governor of Florida, and 
in command of the garrison. The city and castle were pre- 
viously in a poor condition to withstand an attack from a 
well prepared foe. On the 11th of November, 1737, Governor 
Monteano writes to the Governor General of Cuba that "the 
fort at this place is its only defence; it has no casemates for 
the shelter of the men, nor the necessary elevation to the 
counter scarp, nor covert ways nor ravelins to the curtains, 
nor other exterior works that could give time for a long defence. 
It is thus marked outside, and it is without soul within, for 
there are no cannon that could be fired twenty-four hours, 
and though there were, artillery men are wanting to manage 
the guns." Under the superintendence of an able officer of en- 
gineers the works were put in order ; the' ramparts were 
heightened and casemated, a covered way was made by plant- 
ing and imbanking four thousand stakes. Bomb proof vaults 
were constructed and entrenchments thrown up around the 
town protected by ten salient angles, many of which are still 
visible. The garrison of the town was about seven hundred 
and forty soldiers, according to Governor Monteano's return of 
troops on the 25th of March, 1740; the total population of St. 
Augustine of all classes was two thousand one hundred and 
forty-three. 

Previous to his attack upon the place General Oglethorpe 
obtained the following information from prisoners whom he 
took at the outposts: " They agree that there are fifty pieces of 
cannon in the castle at St. Augustine, several of which are brass 
from twelve to forty-eight pounds caliber; has four bastions. 
The walls are of stone and casemated. The square is nearly 
fifty yards. The ditch is forty feet wide and twelve feet deep, 
six of which is sometimes filled with water. The counter scarp 
is faced with stone. They have lately made a covered way. 



50 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA, 

The town is fortified with an entrenchment, salient angles and 
redoubts, which inclose about half a mile in length and a 
quarter of a mile in width. The inhabitants and garrison, 
men, women and children, amount to above two thousand five 
hundred. For the garrison the King pays eight companies 
sent from Spain two years since, for the invasion of Georgia. 
The companies numbered fifty-three men each, three com- 
panies of foot and one of artillery of the old garrison, and one 
troop of horse, one hundred men. Of these one hundred are 
at St. Marks, ten days' march from St. Augustine upon the 
Gulf of Mexico. One hundred are disposed in several small 
forts. 

Of these outposts there were two, one on each side of the 
St. Johns, opposite each other; one at Picolata, the other at 
Diego. The purpose of the forts at Picolata was to guard the 
passage of the river and to keep open communication with St. 
Marks and Pensacola when they were threatened with inva- 
sion by Oglethorpe. Messengers were dispatched to the Gov- 
ernor of Pensacola for aid, also to Mexico by the same route. 
The fort at Diego was but a small work, erected by Don Diego 
de Spinosa upon his own estate. The remains of it, with one 
or two cannon, are still visible. Fort Moosa was an outposf; 
at the place now known as North river, about two miles north 
of St. Augustine; a fortified line, a considerable portion of 
which may now be traced, extending across from the stockades 
on the St. Sebastian to Fort Moosa, with communication by a 
tide creek extending through the marshes between the castle 
at St. Augustine and Fort Moosa. 

Oglethorpe first attacked the two forts at Picolata, one of 
which was called Fort Poppa or St. Francis de Poppa. It 
was a place of some strength. Its remains still exist about one- 
fourth of a mile north of the termination of the Bellamy road. 
It is an earthwork and is still easily traced. 

After a slight resistance both forts fell into Oglethorpe's 
hands, much to the annoyance of Governor Monteano. Ogle- 
thorpe speaks of "Fort Francis as being a work of much im- 
portance." It commanded the passes from St. Augustine to 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 51 

Mexico, also to the country of the Creek Indians, also being 
near the ferry where the troops which came from St. Augustine 
must pass. He found in it one mortar to carriage, three 
small guns and ammunition ; also one hundred and fifty shell 
and fifty glass bottles full of gunpowder with fuzes; a some- 
what novel missile of war. 

The English general's plan of operation was that the 
crews and troops upon the vessels should land and throw up 
batteries upon St. Anastasia Island, thence bombarding the 
town, while he himself designed to lead the attack on the land 
side. Having arrived in position he gave the signal to attack 
to the fleet by sending up a rocket ; but no response came 
from the vessels. He had the mortification of being obliged to 
withdraw his troops. The troops were not able to eifect a 
landing from the vessels in consequence of a number of armed 
Spanish galleys having been drawn up inside the bar, so that 
no landing could be made except under a severe fire, while 
the galleys were protected from an attack by the ships in con- 
sequence of the shoal water. 

He then prepared to reduce the town by regular siege, 
with a strict blockade by sea. He hoped by driving the in- 
habitants into the castle to encumber the Governor with useless 
mouths; to reduce him to the necessity of a surrender to avoid 
starvation. The town was placed under the range of his heavy 
artillery and mortars, and soon became untenable, forcing the 
citizens generally to seek the shelter of the fort. 

Colonel Vanderduysen was posted at Point Quartel and 
other troops upon Anastasia Island and the North Beach. 
Three batteries were erected, one on Anastasia Island, called 
the Poza, which consisted of four eighteen pounders and one 
nine pounder ; one on the point of the woods of the island 
mounting two eighteen pounders. The remains of tiie Poza 
battery are still to be seen almost as distinctly marked as on 
the day of its erection. Four mortars and forty cohorns were 
employed in the siege. 

The siege began on the 12th of June. On the night 
of the 25th a sortie was made from the castle against a portion 



52 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

of the troops under conimand of Colonel Palmer, who was 
encamped at Fort Moosa, including a company of Scotch 
Highlanders, numbering eighty-five men, under their chief, 
Captain Mcintosh, all equipped in Highland dress. This attack 
was entirely successful ; the English sustained a severe loss, their 
Colonel being killed, with twenty Highlanders, twenty -seven 
soldiers and a number of Indians. 

This atfair at Fort Moosa has generally been considered 
as a surprise, and its disastrous result the consequence of care- 
lessness and disobedience of the orders of Oglethorpe. Captain 
Mcintosh, the leader of the Highlanders, was taken prisoner 
and finally transferred to Spain. From his prison, St. Sebastian, 
under date of June 20, 1741, he gives the following account 
of the matter: "I listed seventy men, all in Highland dress, 
and marched to the siege, and was ordered to scout nigh St. 
Augustine and molest the enemy while the general and the 
rest of his little army went to an island where we could have 
no succor of them. I punctually obeyed my orders until seven 
hundred Spaniards sallied out from the garrison an hour before 
daylight. They did not surprise us, for we were all under 
arms ready to receive them, which we did, briskly keeping up 
a constant firing for a quarter of an hour. When they pressed 
on with numbers, we were obliged to take our swords until 
the most of us were shot and cut to pieces. You are to observe 
we had but eighty men, and the engagement was in view of 
the rest of our army, but they could not come to our assist- 
ance by being on the island under the enemy's guns. They 
had twenty prisoners, a few got off, the rest, were killed ; we 
were informed by some of themselves they had three hundred 
killed on the spot, besides several wounded. We were stripped 
naked of clothes and brought to St. Augustine, where we re. 
mained three months in close confinement." 

This officer was Captain John Mcintosh, and his son. 
Brigadier General Mcintosh, then a youth of fourteen, was 
present in the engagement and escaped without injury. The 
family of Mcintosh have always been conspicuous in the his- 
tory of Georgia. 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. O 

The large number of persons collected within the walls of 
the castle, under the protection of its battlements, soon gave 
rise to serious apprehensions on the part of the besieged of be- 
ing reduced by starvation to the necessity of a speedy surren- 
der. The batteries of Oglethorpe were planted at so great a 
distance that he could produce but little effect by shot or 
shell upon the castle, although he rendered the city itself un- 
tenable. The heat of the season and the exposure to which 
the provincial militia were unaccustomed soon produced con- 
siderable sickness and discouragement in the invading forces, 
and affected Oglethorpe himself. 

The Spanish Governor sent most urgent messages to the 
Governor of the Island of Cuba, which were transmitted by 
runners along the coast, and thence by small vessels across to 
Havana. In one of these letters he says: "My greatest anx- 
iety is for provisions, and if they do not come there is no doubt 
of our dying of hunger." In another letter he says: "I assure 
your Lordship that it is impossible to express the confusion of 
the place, for we have no protection except the fort ; all the rest 
is open field. The families have abandoned their houses and 
come to put themselves under the guns, which is pitiable. If 
your Lordship, for want of competent force, cannot send relief 
we must all perish." 

With the exception of the Fort Moosa affair, the hostilities 
were confined to the exchange of shots between the castle and 
the batteries. Considerable discrepancy exists between the 
Spanish and English accounts as to the period when the garri- 
son was relieved; it was the communication cf the fact of relief 
having been received which formed the ostensible ground of 
abandoning the siege by Oglethorpe, but the Spanish Governor 
asserts that these vessels with supplies did not arrive until the 
siege was raised. The real fact, I am inclined to think, is, that 
the vessels with supplies arrived at Matanzas Inlet, where they 
awaited orders from Governor Monteano as to the mode of get- 
ting discharged; that the information of the arrival, being 
known at St. Augustine, was communicated to the English, and 
thus induced their raising the siege. In fact, the hope of starv- 



54 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

ing out the garrison was all that was left to Oglethorpe. His 
strength was insufficient for an assault, and his means inade- 
quate to reduce the castle, which was well manned and well 
provided with means of defence. 

It was, in truth, a hopeless task, under the circumstances, 
for Oglethorpe to persevere, and it is no impeachment of his 
courage or his generalship that he was unable to take a fort- 
ress of very respectable strength. 

The siege continued from the 13th of June to the 20th of 
July, a period of thirty-eight days. The bombardment was 
kept up twenty days, but, owing to the lightness of the guns 
and the long range, little effect was produced on the strong 
walls of the castle. Its spongy, infrangible walls received the 
balls from the batteries like cotton bales or a sand battery — al- 
most without making any impression. This may be seen on 
examination, since the marks remain to this day, in places 
where the walls have not been repaired. 

The prosecution of the siege having become impracticable, 
preparations were made for retiring. Oglethorpe, as a pardon- 
able and c';aracteristic protest against the assumption of his 
acting from any coercion, with drums beating and banners 
displayed crossed over to the mainland and marched in full 
view of the castle to his encampment, three miles distant, situ- 
ated at the point now known as Pass Navarro. 

Great credit and respect have been deservedly awarded to 
Governor Monteano for the courage, skill and perseverance 
with which he sustained the siege. 

It is well known that the English general had, in a few- 
months, an ample opportunity of showing to his opponent that 
his skill in defending his own territory under the most disad- 
vantageous circumstances was equal to that of the accom- 
plished Monteano himself. The defence of Frederica and 
signal defeat of the Spanish forces at Fort Simons will ever 
challenge for Oglethorpe the highest credit for the most ster- 
ling qualities of a good general and a great man. 

Two years subsequently Oglethorpe again advanced into 
Florida. He appeared before the gates of St. Augustine and 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 



56 



endeavored to induce the garrison to march out to meet him; 
but they kept within their walls. Oglethorpe, in one of his 
dispatches, says in the irritation caused by their prudence, that 
they were so "meek there was no provoking them." As in 
this incursion he had no object in view but a devastation of 
the country and harrassing the enemy, he shortly withdrew 
his forces. 

A committee of the South Carolina House of Commons, 
in a report upon the Oglethorpe expedition, thus speaks of St. 
Augustine, evidently smarting under the disappointment of 
their recent defeat: 

"July 1st, 1741, St. Augustine is in the possession of the 
Crown of Spain, is well known to be situated but a little 
distance from hence, in latitude thirty degrees, in Florida, the 
next territory to us. It is maintained by his Catholic Majesty 
partly to preserve his claim to Florida, and partly that it may 
be of service to the plate fleet when coming through the Gulf 
by showing lights to them along the coast, and by being ready 
to give assistance when any of them are cast away. The cas- 
tle, by the largest account, doth not cover more than one acre 
of ground, but it is allowed, on all hands, to be a place of great 
strength, and hath usually a garrison of three or four hundred 
men of the King's regular troops. The town is not very large, 
and but indifferently fortified. The inhabitants, many of 
wliom are mulattoes, of savage disposition, are all in the King's 
pay; also being registered from their birth, and a severe pen- 
alty laid on any masters of vessels that shall attempt to carry 
any of them off. These are formed into a militia, and have 
generally been computed to be near about the same number 
as the regular troops. Thus relying wholly on the King's pay 
for their subsistence, their thoughts never turned to trade or 
agriculture, but depended on foreign supplies for the most 
common necessaries of life, they spent their time in universal 
and perpetual idleness. From such a state mischievous incli- 
nations naturally spring up in such a people, and having 
leisure and opportunity ever since they had a neighbor, the 
fruits of whose industry excited their desire and envy, they 



56 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

have not failed to carry those inclinations into action as often 
as they could, without the least regard to peace or war sub- 
sisting between the two Crowns of Spain and Great Britain, or 
to stipulations agreed upon between the two governments." 

Among the principal grievances set forth in this report 
was the carrying off and enticing and 'harboring their slaves, 
of which a number of instances are enumerated. They attrib- 
uted the negro insurrection, which occurred in South Carolina 
in 1739, to the connivance and agency of the Spanish authori- 
ties at St. Augustine, and they proceeded in a climax of indig- 
nation to hurl their denunciation at the supposed authors of 
their misfortunes in the following terms: "With indignation 
we look at St. Augustine (like another Sallee), that den of 
thieves and ruffians, receptacle of debtors, servants and slaves, 
bane of industry and society, and revolved in our minds all 
the injuries this province had received from them ever since 
its first settlement. That they have, from first to last, in times 
of profoundest peace, both publicly and privately, by them- 
selves, Indians and negroes, in every shape molested us, not 
without some instances of uncommon cruelty." 

It is very certain that there was on each side enough sup- 
posed cause of provocation to induce far from an amiable state 
of feeling between these neighboring colonies. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



Completion op the Castle at St. Augustine During the 
English Occupation, 1741 to 1783. 

,0N ALONZO FERNANDEZ DE HERRERA was ap- 
pointed Governor of Florida in 1755, and completed 
the exterior works and finished the castle. 
The fort and defences of St. Augustine were 191 years in 
construction, and cost the Spanish Government over thirty mil- 
lions of dollars. The castle has never been taken by a besieg- 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 0/ 

ing enemy. It is a noble fortication, requiring one hundred 
cannon and one thousand men to defend it. Since it came 
into the possession of the United States it has been strength- 
ened by the water battery, which is a very formidable defence. , 
The fort at St. Augustine was designated Fort Marion, in honor j 
of the memory of Brigadier General Francis Marion of the Rev- 
olution, pursuant to general order No. 1, Adjutant General's 
Office, January 7, 1825. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
The History of Fort Marion. 
^-j^HE 29th of June, 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles sailed 




from Spain in the San Playo, with nineteen vessels, 
carrying fifteen hundred persons, including mechanics 
of all kinds, for the purpose of establishing a colony in Florida. 
Other vessels followed, under the command of Stephen de las 
Alas, with quite a number of colonists, several Franciscan fath- 
ers, and priests of other orders — twenty-six hundred and forty- 
six people embarked for Florida. Menendez expended a mil- 
lion ducats in fitting out his colony. 

He reached Porto Rico with only one-third of his fleet, 
they having been dispersed by a storm. There he learned 
that the French admiral had sailed before him and captured a 
Spanish vessel in the West Indies thus opening hostilities. 
Menendez held a council of war and decided to proceed and 
attack the French, who had planted a colony on the St. Johns. 
He reached the coast of Florida on the 28th of August — the 
feast of St. Augustine. The Te Deum was chanted with great 
solemnity. Menendez sailed up the coast in search of the French. 
Coming upon Ribaut's vessels at the mouth of the St. Johns, 
he announced his determination to put them all to death. No 
quarter at that time was shown to the Spaniards on sea or land 
by the French or English cruisers. Those who escaped from 
the wreck of the armada on the coast of Ireland were all put 



58 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

to death without mercy by the English, unless they were rich 
enough to ransom their lives. Only a few years before Jacques 
Sarie, a French commander, had burned Havana and hung 
his prisoners amid the smoking ruins. The terms announced 
by Menendez to the French were precisely those given to the 
Spaniards by the French and English. 

After an ineffectual jDursuit of the French vessels, Menen- 
dez sailed down the coast to the harbor of St. Augustine, where 
he had determined to plant his settlement. His resolution was 
to fortify his position there and hold out until the rest of his 
fleet arrived. 

Entering the harbor on the 6th of September, he sent three 
companies of soldiers ashore, under two captains, who were to 
select a site and begin a fort. A cacique gave the new comers a 
large cabin near the seashore; around it the Spanish officers traced 
the lines for a fort, the soldiers, with their hands and anything 
they could fashion into an implement, digging the ditches and 
throwing up the ramparts. The next day, September 7th, Menen- 
dez landed amid the thunder of artillery and the blasts of trump- 
ets, with the banner of Castile and Arragon unfurled. The priest, 
Mendoza Grajales, who had landed the previous day, took a 
cross and proceeded to meet him, followed by the soldiers chant- 
ing the Te Deum. Menendez advanced to the cross, which he 
kissed on bended knee, as did all who followed him. The sol- 
emn mass of Our Lady was then offered at a spot the memory 
of which has been preserved on Spanish maps. It received the 
name of Nombre de Dios, as there the name of God was first 
invoked by the awful sacrifice of the new law. There, in 
time, the piety of the faithful erected the primitive hermitage 
or shrine of Nuestra Senora de la Leche. Thus began the per- 
manent service of the Catholic Church in the oldest city in the 
United States, maintained now, with but brief interruption, for 
more than three hundred years. The name of the celebrant is 
not stated. We know that, besides Grajales, there was present 
Dr. Salis Meras, brother-in-law of Menendez. 

The work of landing the supplies for the settlers and 
arms and munitions for the soldiers went steadily on, directed 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 59 

by Menendez himself. His vessels could not cross the bar to 
enter the harbor, and were exposed to the attack of the French. 
In fact, his boats while landing supplies were nearly captured 
by the French, who suddenly appeared. The Spaniards as- 
cribe their escape to Our Lady of Consolation at Ulrera, whom 
they invoked in their sore strait. As soon as all needed by 
liis settlement was disembarked, Menendez sent off his vessels 
and prepared to act on the defensive. His forces consisted of 
six hundred men at arms. The French were superior in num- 
bers and had their ships. 

The first line of defence at St. Augustine was an oata- 
gon. The entrenchments were built with fascines, filled with 
earth and faced with logs, with ditches and slope. Earth and 
wood was the only material found at that time in this country 
that could be used in the construction of lines of defence. 
Menendez extended his lines and made an entrenched camp 
connecting with the fort for the protection of his colony. They 
landed eighty cannon from the ships ; the lightest of them 
weighed two thousand five hundred pounds. 

The Spaniards kept their people at w^ork extending and 
strengthening their lines. Menendez appreciated his situation 
and the immense amount of labor it would take to put his 
fort in a state of defence and complete an entrenched camp 
large enough to protect his colony in the event of an attack 
from the French. 

The fort was named San Juan de Pinos. In 1586 Sir 
Francis Drake landed on Anastasia Island. He sent his troops 
across the river and burned the city and captured two thousand 
pounds sterling in the fort. This money had been sent from 
Spain for the payment of the troops. The Spaniards retreated 
in haste when the English crossed the river, making but 
little resistance. The fort had been stockaded inside of the 
embankments, with loop holes for riflemen and platforms for 
cannon, built of large pine logs. 

In 1640, the Spaniards having subdued and captured the 
Apalachian Indians, they were brought to St. Augustine and 
forced to labor upon the fortifications. At this period the fort 



60 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

and defences of the town were built of earth and wood. The 
Governor finding that there was a great need of stronger 
and more permanent defences, commenced the use of tlie 
coquina rock for the reconstruction of the fort and for building 
houses. The fort was strengthened by two large towers, 
mounting twenty-six guns. This gave them a much wider 
range for their guns than they had previously. They con- 
structed an exterior and interior wall, sixteen feet apart, filling 
between with earth well rammed. 

In 1665 Captain Davis came up the coast with a fleet of 
eight vessels. He landed and sacked the town without meeting 
opposition, the inhabitants retiring into the fort for protection. 
Davis did not attack the fort, although at that time it was in- 
complete. After Captain Davis' attack on the city the Spanish 
Governor again changed the plan of the fort to a trapezium, 
with outer walls nine feet at the terrepleins and twelve feet at 
the base, built of coquina, with an interior wall three feet 
thick. The space between the two walls was filled with earth, 
covered with rock for the terreplein. It was twenty-one feet 
high, with ramparts and an interior wall about two feet above 
the terreplein, on which the guns were mounted. There were 
four bastions filled with earth. The ditches were forty feet 
wide, the covered way, glacis, ravelins and place of arms were 
complete. 

The Spaniards worked diligently on the castle until the 
siege of 1702 by Governor Moore. It was then in a fair stage 
of completion. It withstood the siege without material damage. 

Between 1703 and 1740 the fort was casemated and placed 
in a splendid condition for defence, with ample water suppl}^ for 
all the people it could hold. The town w^as defended by a 
series of lines of stockades and redoubts. The north by 
three lines of defence — one from Fort Moosa to the St. Se- 
bastian, one from the chapel of Nuestra Senora de la Leche, 
where the Catholic cemetery is now located, and one from the 
fort to the city gate, thence to the St. Sebastian river. This line 
had an embankment and moat forty feet wide. There were five 
redoubts on the Fort Moosa line, and three redoubts on the other 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 61 

two north lines — one on the west side between the inner and 
middle north lines, also a line running from the west point of 
the fort in and along the St. Sebastian marsh, thence turning to 
the eastward, making the south line, with five redoubts on the 
west and two on the south line. There were five interior lines ; 
the south interior line running from the Mantanzas west, con- 
necting with the west line the New Smyrna road and ferry across 
the St. Sebastian river. The next interior line ran from the 
Mantanzas westward, connecting with the St. Sebastian line on 
Little Bridge street, with a cross line forming a V, with the point 
near the monastery, with a redoubt facing the south on each of 
these east and west lines. The third interior line connects this 
second east and west interior line about two-thirds of the distance 
from the Mantanzas to the St. Sebastian, with five angles. The 
next interior line connects the first redoubt on the fort line 
with the Mantanzas, with two redoubts and two angles. 

There was a large battery on Anastasia Island, covering 
the main entrances to the harbor. In vain Oglethorpe di- 
rected the fire of his large number of guns against the solid 
walls of the castle. The shot, at such a long distance, did not 
penetrate more than thirty-three inches. This soft shell rock 
did not fracture or splinter in the least, but impacked the same 
almost as the shot did that was thrown into the redoubts. The 
Spaniards had about fifty cannon, many of them brass, rang- 
ing from twelve to forty-eight pounders, and commanded by 
the brave and skillful General Monteano. On the twentieth 
day of July, after thirty-eight days' siege, General Oglethorpe 
found it was impossible to breach the walls of the castle suffi- 
ciently to make an assault practicable ; he abandoned the siege 
and returned to his territory. 

Governor Monteano repaired the walls of the castle where 
they had been injured by the besiegers. In 1755 Don Alonzo 
Fernandez de Herreda w^as appointed Governor of Florida, 
and completed the exterior works and finished the fort as it 
now is, with the exception of the water battery, which was 
constructed by the United States; also the hot-shot furnace, 



62 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

which was completed in 1842; also the reconstruction and ex- 
tension of the sea wall. 

The Apalachian Indians were compelled to work on the 
castle for sixty years. To their efforts are probably due the 
evidence of the immense labor in the construction of the 
ditches, ramparts and glacis, and the approaches; the huge 
mass of stone contained in its solid walls. It required the 
labor of hundreds of workmen for many years in procuring 
and cutting the stone in the quarries on the island, transport- 
ing them to the river and across the bay and fashioning and 
raising them to their places; besides the Indians compelled to 
labor on this structure, some labor was constantly bestowed 
b}'^ the garrison. TFor a considerable period convicts were' 
brought here from Mexico to w^ork on the defences and other 
public works. During the repairs and extensions effected by 
Monteano previous to the siege b}' Oglethorpe, he worked one 
hundred and forty Mexican convicts. The southwestern bastion 
is said to have been completed by Monteano. The bastions 
bore the names of St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Charles and St. Au- 
gustine. 

It took one hundred guns for its complete armament, 
with a garrison of one thousand men. It is completed on the 
the Vauban plan of fortification. It is one of the best of this 
plan of defence. Its strength for resisting shot and shell 
has been thoroughly tested in earlier days. It has never been 
taken, although twice besieged and several times attacked. 

Its frowning battlements and sepulchral vaults will long 
stand after we, and those of our day, shall be numbered with 
that long past of which it is a memorial. Of tlie legends con- 
nected with its dark chambers and prison vaults, the chains, 
the instruments of torture, the skeletons walled in its secret 
recesses, of Coacoochee's escape, and many other tales, there is 
much to say; but it is better said witljin its grim walls, where 
the eye and the imagination can go together in weaving a web 
of mystery and awe over its sad associations to the solemn 
sound of the grating bolts and the clanking chains. 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 63 

/^ No fortress in all our broad land has as many quaint 
/legends as this thrice named structure — San Juan de Pinos, San 
' Marco and Marion. The entrance is over a drawbridge 
to the ravelin and across a bridge to the portcullis. 
Over the entrance is the coat of arms of Spain, with an 
inscription which is translated: "Don Fernandez the Sixth 
being King of Spain, and the Field Marshal Don Alonzo 
Fernandez de Herreda, Governor and Captain-General of the 
city of St. Augustine, Florida, and its province, this fortress 
was finished in the year 1756. The works were directed by the 
Captain Engineer, Don Pedro de Brazas y Garay." 

On crossing the portcullis you pass through the massive 
door into the sallyport ; on the right are the two guard rooms 
and a dungeon. The first guard room has a very large fire- 
place, the next having a smaller one. This dungeon was evi- 
dently used for the confinement of prisoners for minor offences. 
It was in this cell that Coacoochee and Talums Hadjo were 
confined. These Indians starved themselves for several days, 
until they were very much emaciated. They complained to 
the commanding officer that the confinement in the dark cell 
made them sick ; they were transferred to the court room with 
Osceola, where they made their escape through iron bars eight 
inches apart, running horizontally across the ventilator. Next 
to the door are three niches cut in the wall by Osceola to enable 
him to climb up and sit on the ledge of the window over the door 
looking into the quadrangle. Tlie casemate to the left of the 
sallyport was the commandant's quarters and had a small fire- 
place. The next casemate was for the staff and other officers 
of the garrison. The next was used for the same purpose, ex- 
cept when the bishop came to Florida to visit his diocese it was 
used for his quarters ; as he came but seldom it was used for 
officers' quarters principally. The next casemate was the 
court room ; it was a raised platform for the officers composing 
the court. On the next door is the last one of the original 
Spanish locks, of very large dimensions, which was first locked, 
then a large bolt with a hasp closed the first keyhole and 
locked with a padlock ; this door is strapped inside and out 



64 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

and bolted through the straps about five inches apart, so ar- 
ranged that if the woodwork should be burned or cut away no 
one could get through the bars. The woodwork has been re- 
newed ; the lock and bars are original ; the doors were thus 
constructed to all of the casemates. In the northwest corner 
is the casemate that leads into the magazine ; in this room 
there is a niche very peculiarly shaped. For what purpose it 
was constructed no one can tell. There is a tradition that the 
first room v/as used for the council. If the commandant wished 
to find out what action any member of that body took on any 
measures that he put before them, he could conceal himself in 
this niche in the magazine and find out what action each member 
of the council had taken on any measure that was brought be- 
fore them. There is a small aperture from the niche into the 
council room, but not discernible from tliat room. 

The next room of historical importance is the chapel ; in 
this is the niche for the patron saint, St. Augustine, and the 
altan The adjoining rooms were used ordinarily for the dormi- 
tories and the records of the colony, and for condemned pris- 
oners to hear mass before they were executed. At that time 
they could not bring a condemned prisoner into a chapel; the 
mon:ient he had a chance to kneel at the altar he could claim 
the right of sanctuary. In the wall near the spring of the 
arch is a part of the old timber that crossed the room to sup- 
port the platform for the choir ; on the right are the old timbers 
where the confessional was fastened to the wall — a round, cir- 
cular place for the priest and the person to confess; next is a 
portion of the two founts for holy water. Who can give the 
history of this chapel ? We know that some of the brightest, 
best and most patriotic of the Spanish clergy have celebrated 
mass within its walls. During the attacks and sieges of this 
fortress, when they have been driven from their monastery, 
church and chapels, they gathered within these walls to minis- 
ter, assist and console their flock. Can we estimate the value 
of the labor of thjs noble band of brothers during the long 
sieges, when the weeping mothers, wives, sisters and daughters 
Were expecting every moment to have some one of their loved 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 65 

ones brought to them dead or wounded ? They were not safe 
at the altar from the flying shot and bursting shell. Nor when 
celebrating mass or giving the last sad rites to the dead were 
they safe from danger. 

The next room of historical importance is the pennan- 
carrah. There were six crosses fastened to the wall on the right 
hand side of this room, and a large cross at the end with two 
large shrines, and two smaller shrines to the right and left of 
the large cross. This was used for the punishment of prisoners ; 
they were chained under these crosses for punishment ; the 
chains were attached to a bolt in the wall, it was fastened 
under the arms with cross chains over the shoulders, holding 
the prisoners in an upright position so they could neither sit 
nor lie down. There are two parallel lines at the spring 
of the arch with large half circles above and small circles 
below. At the entrance to this dungeon is a large circle 
with small circles centering on it ; this entrance has been cut 
out at some time and then made narrower again ; a small' part 
of this wall has been broken away. The door was composed 
of three tiers of iron bars on broad iron plates ; two tiers ver- 
tical and one tier horizontal intersecting every two inches. 

This dungeon was evidently used for general prisoners. 
The room is thirty feet long on the west side, sixteen feet on 
the east side, seventeen on the south and twenty on the north, 
making a part of a triangle. The entranse to the next room 
is through an aperture six feet high and two feet four inches 
wide. This room is five feet wide at the east end and seven 
at the west, and twenty feet long, fifteen feet high to the 
center of the arch. The next room is entered through an 
aperture thirty inches in height by three feet wide; this 
room is twenty feet in length, thirteen in width and seven feet 
high. These two rooms have been the wonder of thousands 
of people since they were first discovered in 1835. Some very 
curious legends have been related about them. Some historians 
claim that one was the magazine, others say that it was the 
place for the disposal of rubbish for the garrison. 



66 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

The magazine was in the northwest bastion. This is 
shown on a copy of the plan from the Spanish Government to 
the War Department. These two rooms were built to cover a 
secret entrance to the castle, and were evidently built for that 
purpose after several attempts had been made to build a gal- 
lery from this inner room to some point outside the castle. 
It was found to be impracticable. They had to sink a shaft 
nearly twenty feet to connect with a gallery under the moat. 
They found they could not drive the piling for the foundation 
of the gallery in the limited space they had to work in or 
keep the water from penetrating into the shaft and gallery. 
The work was abandoned. No one outside the officials and 
the troops of the garrison knew that the attempt was made to 
build a secret passage-way from this inner room to the outside 
of the fort. After abandoning the work the entrance to the 
first secret room was walled up. It was evidently closed with a 
solid iron door on the outside, and walled up solid on the 
inside. There was a small concealed entrance from the' ter- 
replein into this room; it was by this giving away while they 
were moving one of the heavy cannon across this man-hole 
these rooms were discovered in 1835, fourteen years after it 
had been transferred to the United States. In this room were 
cross-timbers and racks for the punishment of prisoners in 
extreme cases. There were two solid iron doors closing the 
entrance to the next room that opened in and out and could 
be opened only from the side when they were closed. It is in 
this room, tradition says, that two .skeletons were found in iron 
cages bolted to the wall — the skeleton of a man and woman. 
The evidence remaining are the two places in the wall where 
the cages were fastened. If they were confined there, what 
was it for? Who were they ? What crime had they com- 
mitted, if any ? 

It .is probable that the crime committed was that of being 
in the way of some person of rank and power. If they had 
committed a crime against the laws of the land they coultl 
have brought them to trial and disposed of them without the 
trouble of immuring th-m in these secret dungeons. 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 67 

I am told by those who have been through all the noted dun- 
geons in the Old World that there are none there to equal 
these two rooms. Once confined within its gloomy walls death 
was certain within a few hours, without the least possible chance 
to escape. It was a strong rod to hold over a people to threaten 
them with the acquaintance of these rooms, knowing that if 
they were sentenced by the court, or inquisition, to be confined 
within their gloomy walls they would never more be heard of 
in this world. None but the officials knew what became of 
them. What a terror to evil doers to threaten them with the 
acquaintance of these terrible dungeons. 

The next room of historical importance is the room to the > 
right, under the arch, which was used for the hospital. There 
is a niche in this room on the left hand side as you go in, 
Avhere, tradition says, there was found eighteen thousand dollars 
concealed. At the end is a very peculiar niche, which is sup- 
posed to have been used for the dead until they were sent to 
their last resting place. This is the last room that has historical 
interest. In the moat facing the Matanzas, to the right and left 
on the inner sides of the bastions, are a large number of bullet 
holes, which were made in the execution of prisoners. There 
is no fortress in our country that has so quaint a history as San 
Juan de Pinas, San Marco and Fort Marion. It should be re- 
membered that within these walls served some of the best and 
bravest of the Spanish nobility, and at its altar some of its best 
missionaries have celebrated mass and preached the word of 
our Redeemer. 

No one that has not visited this old fortress can conceive 
what it is. One should sit within one of its casemates and lis- 
ten to the screech of those peculiar birds that nest and hatch 
their young within its walls — the monkey-faced owl, one of 
the quaintest birds on this continent — and view the peculiar 
shadows cast on its gray and aged walls, or from its lolly watch 
tower see the moon rising out of the broad Atlantic, casting a 
flood of light like burnished silver over the water. This is one 



(>8 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

of the few places on this continent that takes us back to the 
feudal ages. On its broad terreplein is one of the finest 
promenades in the United States. Who can say that this is 
liot one of the most historical points in all our broad land? 




CHAPTER XIX. 

The Transfer of Florida to England, in 1763. 

'HE Province of Florida was ceded to England by treaty 
in 1763. The Spanish inhabitants very generally left 
the country, which had been under Spanish rule for 
nearly two hundred years, and certainly in no portion of this 
country had less progress been made. Beyond the walls occu- 
pied by its garrison little had been attempted or accomplished 
in these two hundred years. This was, in part, attributable to 
the circumstances of the country, the frequent hostility of the 
Indians and the want of that material support given by neigh- 
borhoods, which in Florida are less practicable than elsewhere j 
but it was still more owing to the character of the Spanish in- 
habitants, who were more soldiers than civilians, and more 
townsmen than agriculturists; at all events, at the cession of 
Florida to Great Britain the number of inhabitants was not 
over five thousand. The English Governor made several exten- 
sive improvements. During their occupation they constructed 
large barracks for troops and a bridge across the St. Sebastian. 
It is stated the number of inhabitants of East Florida, which 
in those days meant mostly St. Augustine, from 1063 to 1771 
was as follows: Householders, besides women, two hundred and 
eighty-eight; imported by Mr. Turnbull, from Minorca, one 
thousand four hundred ; negroes, upwards of nine hundred ; of 
the white heads of families one hundred and forty-four were 
married, which was just one-half; thirty-one were storekeepers 
and traders, three haberdashers, fifteen inn keepers, forty-five 
artificers and mechanics, one hundred and ten planters, four 
hunters,six cowkeepers, eleven overseers, twelve draftsmen in the 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 69 

employ of the Government, besides mathematicians ; fifty-eight 
had left the province, twenty-eight died, of whom four, acting 
as constables, were killed ; two were hanged for piracy. Among 
the names of those then residing in East Florida were Sir Charles 
Burdet, William Drayton, planter. Chief Justice; Rev. John 
Forbes, parson. Judge of Admiralty and Counsellor; Rev. M. 
Fraser, parson at Mosquit ; Governor James Grant, Hon. John 
Moultrie, planter and Lieutenant-Governor; William Stark, 
Esq., historian; Andrew Turnbull, Esq., His Majesty's Coun- 
sellor; Barnard Romans, draftsman ; William Bartram, planter, 
and James Moultrie, Esq. 

The lighthouse on Anastasia Island had been constructed 
of coquina by the Spaniards. In 1769, by order of General 
Haldiman, it was raised sixty feet higher with frame work; 
and had a cannon planted on top, wliicii was fired the moment 
the flag was hoisted for a signal to the town and pilots that a 
vessel was in sight. The lighthouse had two flagstafFs, one to 
the south and one to the north; on either of which the flag was 
hoisted, to the south if the vessel was coming from there, and to 
the north if the vessel was coming from that direction. 

The town is one of the healthiest in the United States. It is 
nearly surrounded by salt water, with plenty of fruit, figs, guavas, 
plantains, pomegranates, lemons, limes, citrons, shaddocks, berg- 
amot, China and Seville oranges, the latter full of fruit through 
the winter. On the third of January, 1776, the thermometer 
sunk to 26°, with the wind from the northwest. The ground 
was frozen an inch deep. This was the fatal night that de- 
stroyed the lime, citrus and banana trees in St. Augustine. In 
1740 there was a snow storm, and again in 1836. It did no 
damage. 

Dr. Nicholas Turnbull, in 1767, associated with Sir Will- 
iam Duncan and other Englishmen of note, projected a colony 
of European emigrants to be settled at New Smyrna. He 
brought from the islands of Greece, Corsica and Minorca some 
fourteen hundred persons, agreeing to convey them free of ex- 
pense, finding them in clothing and provisions, and at the end 
of three years to give fifty acres of land to each head of a fain- 



70' ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

ily and twenty-five to each child. After a long passage they 
arrived and founded the settlement. The principal article of 
cultivation was indigo, which commanded a high price at that 
time, and was assisted by a bounty from the English Govern- 
ment. 

After a few years Turnbull, as it is alleged, either from 
avarice or naturally evil mind, assumed control the most abso- 
lute over these colonies, and practiced cruelties most painful 
to them. 

An insurrection took place in 17G9 among them, in con- 
sequence of severe punishment, which was speedily repressed, 
and the leaders brought to trial before the court at St. Augus- 
tine. Five of the number were convicted and sentenced to 
death. Governor Grant pardoned two of the five, and a third 
was released upon the condition of his becoming the execu- 
tioner of the other two. Nine years after the commencement 
of their settlement their number had become reduced from one 
thousand four hundred to six hundred. In 1776 proceedings 
were instituted in their behalf by Mr. Younge, the Attorney- 
General of the province, which resulted in their being exoner- 
ated from the contract with Turnbull ; and they were thereupon 
assigned to the northern part of the city, which was principally 
built up by them, and their descendants at the present day form 
the largest part of the population of the place. 

Governor Grant was the first English governor, and was a 
gentleman of much energy. During his term of oflRce he pro- 
jected many great and permanent improvements in the prov- 
ince. 

The public road, knowm as the King's road, from St. 
Augustine to Smyrna, and from St. Augustine to Jacksonville, 
and thence to Colerayne was then constructed, and remains a 
lasting monument of his Avisdom and desire for improvement- 
Governor Tanyn succeeded Governor Grant, and a legisla- 
tive council was authorized to assemble, and the pretence and 
form of a constitutional government were gone through with- 
in August, 1775, a British vessel called the Betsy, Captain 
Lofthous, from London, with one hundred and eleven barrels 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 71 

of powder, was captured off the bar of St. Augustine by an 
American privateer from Charlestown, very much to the dis- 
gust and annoyance of the British authorities. 

At this period St. Augustine assumed much importance as 
a depot and point d^appui for the British forces in their opera- 
tions against the Southern States, and very considerable forces 
were, at times, assembled here. 

The expedition of General Provost against Savannah was 
organized and embarked from St. Augustine in 1777. Sixty 
of the best citizens of Carolina were seized by the British in 
1780 and transported to St. Augustine as prisoners of war and 
hostages, among whom were Arthur Middleton, Edward Rut- 
ledge, General Gadsden and Mr. Calhoun. All were put upon 
parole, except General Gadsden and Mr. Calhoun, who refused 
this indulgence and were committed to the fort, where they 
remained many months close prisoners. General Rutherford 
and Colonel Isaacs, of North Carolina, were committed to the 
fort also. 

An expedition was fitted out from St. Augustine in 1783 
to act against New Providence, under Colonel Devereux. With 
very slender means that able officer succeeded in capturing 
and reducing the Bahamas, which have since remained under 
English domination. 

The expense of supporting the Government of East Flor- 
ida during the English occupation was very considerable, 
amounting to the sum of £122,000. The exports of Florida in 
1778 amounted to £48,000, and in 1772 the province exported 
forty thousand pounds of indigo, and in 1782 twenty thousand 
barrels of turpentine. 



72 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

CHAPTER XX. 

Recession op Florida to Spain — The Erection of the 
Cathedral, 1783 to 1821. 

*N June, 1783, in fulfillment of a treaty between England 
and Spain, Florida, after twenty years of British occu" 
patiou, was receded to the Spanish Crown, and taken 
possession of by Governor Zespedez. 

The English residents generally left the country and went 
either to the Bahamas, or Jamaica or the United States. Those 
who went to the British islands were almost ruined, but those 
who settled in the United States were more successful. 

In April, 1793, the present Catholic church was com- 
menced, the previous church having been in another portion 
of the city. It was constructed under the direction of Don 
Mariana de la Rocque and Don P. Berrio, government engineer 
officers. The cost of the church was $16,650, of which about 
$6,000 was received from the proceeds of the material and orna- 
ments of the old church, about $1,000 from contributions of 
the inhabitants, and the remaining $10,000 was furnished by 
the Government. One of its four bells has the following in- 
scription, showing it to be the oldest bell in the country. The 
inscription is: "Saint Joseph Ora Pro Nobis D. 1682." 

In the spring of 1818 General Jackson made his cele- 
brated incursion into Florida, and by a series of energetic 
movements followed the Seminoles and Creeks to their fast- 
nesses, and forever crushed the power of these formidable tribes 
for offensive operations. 

In the latter part of 1817, a revolutionary party took pos- 
session of Amelia Island and raised a soi disant patriotic flag 
at Fernandina, supported mainly in the enterprise by adven- 
turers from the United States. McGregor was assisted by offi- • 
cers of the United States army. An expedition was sent from 
St. Augustine by the Spanish Government to eject the inva- 
ders which failed. 

One Aury, an English adventurer, for a time held com- 
mand there, and also a Mr. Hubbard, formerly sheriff of New 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 73 

York, who was the civil Governor, and died there. The Uni- 
ted States troops eventually interfered. Negotiations for the 
cession of Florida put a stop to further hostilities. 

The King of Spain finding his possessions in Florida 
utterly worthless to his crown and only an expense to sustain 
the garrison, while the repeated attempts to disturb its politi- 
cal relations prevented any beneficial progress towards its set- 
tlement, gladly agreed in 1819 to a transfer of Florida to the 
United States for five millions of dollars. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Transfer op Florida to the United States. 

§N the 10th of July, in the year 1821, the standard ox 
Spain, which had been raised two hundred and fifty-six 
years before over St. Augustine, was finally lowered 
forever from the walls over which it had so long fluttered. The 
stars and stripes of the youngest of nations rose where sooner 
or later the hand of destiny would assuredly have placed it. 

It was intended that the change of flags should take place 
on the Fourth of July. Owing to a detention this was frus- 
trated, but the inhabitants celebrated the Fourth with a hand- 
some public ball at the Governor's house. 

The Spanish garrison and officers connected with it re- 
turned to Cuba, and some of the Spanish families, but the 
larger portion of the inhabitants remained. A considerable 
influx of inhabitants from the adjoining States took place, and 
the town speedily assumed an American character. The pro- 
portion of American population since the change of flags has 
been about one-third. Most of the native inhabitants con- 
verse with equal fluency in either language. 

In the year 1823 the Legislative Council of Florida held 
its second session in the Government House at St. Augustine. 
Governor W. P. Duval was the first Governor after the organi- 
zation of the territory. 



74 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

In December, 1835, the war with the Seminole Indians 
broke out, and for some years St. Augustine was full of the 
pomp and circumstance of war. It was dangerous to venture 
beyond the gates, and many sad scenes of Indian cruelty took 
place in the neighborhood of the city. 

The extensive barracks built during the English occupa- 
tion were destroyed by fire in 1792. The Franciscan Convent 
was occupied, as it had been before, as a barracks for the troops 
not garrisoned in the fort. The appearance of these build- 
ings has been much changed by the extensive repairs and 
alteration made by the United States Government. It had 
formerly a large circular lookout, from which a beautiful view 
of the surrounding country was obtained. Its walls are among 
the oldest in the city. 

The present postoffice building was the residence of the 
Spanish Governor. It has been rebuilt by the United States; 
its former quaint and interesting appearance has been lost in 
removing its balconies and the handsome gateway, which is 
said to have been a fine specimen of Doric architecture. 

Trinity Episcopal church was consecrated in 1833 by 
Bishop Bowen, of South Carolina. The Presbyterian church 
was built in 1830, and the Methodist chapel about 1840. The 
venerable building on the Bay, on the corner of Green Lane 
and Bay street, is considered one of the oldest buildings in the 
city, and has evidently been a fine building in its day. It 
was the residence of the Attorney-General in English times. 

The monument on the public square was erected in 1812 
upon the information of the adoption of the Spanish Constitu- 
tion, as a memorial of that event, in pursuance of a royal order 
to that effect directed to the public authorities of all the pro- 
vincial towns. The plan was made by the father of the late 
General Hernandez. A short time after it was put up, the 
Spanish Constitution having a downfall, orders were issued by 
the government that all the monuments erected to the Consti- 
tution throughout its dominions should be demolished. The 
citizens of St. Augustine were unwilling to see their monument 
torn down, and, with the passive acquiescence of the Governor, 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 75 

the marble tablet inscribed " Plaza De La Constitution " being 
removed, the monument itself was allowed to stand ; and thus 
remains the only monument in existence to commemorate the 
farce of the Constitution of 1812. In 1818 the tablet was 
restored without objection. 

The bridge and causeway are the work of the United 
States Government. The present sea wall was built between 
1835 and 1842 by the United States at an expense of one hun- 
dred thousand dollars. 

The house on St. Francis street, opposite the monastery 
building, is considered the oldest building in the city ; it is 
owned by Dr. C. P. Carver, dentist. There was, until five 
years ago,' a peculiar date palm tree growing in the yard ; the 
heavy freeze that winter killed it. This house gives one the 
idea of the style of architecture used at the early period of the 
settlement of this country. It is one of the many quaint at- 
tractions of the Ancient City. 



CHAPTER XXII. 
The Seminole War. 




'HE early history of Florida Territory soon after it came 
into the possession of the United States being written 
in characters of blood for years, it is considered both 
appropriate and interesting to intersperse a sprinkling of his- 
torical facts in this work, to the authenticity of which some 
now living can testify. 

The Indians were intensely opposed to emigrating west, 
as that country offered them no such means of idleness as 
Florida, where they lived with as little solicitude as the buz- 
zards that lazily flew above their heads, while in Arkansas 
they would have to work. They were a race of hunters and 
fishermen, with no habits of industry, gliding on the surface 
of lakes and rivers with as little idea of locating as the watery 
inhabitants they captured. 



76 ST. AUGUSTTINE, FLA. 

The movements of the Indians and American troops, en- 
cumbered with their wagons or field pieces, compared unfavor- 
ably with the agile foe they had to meet in warfare, who could 
swim the streams and leap over the logs of the wide forest 
and vanish like the whooping crane that made its nest far 
from the spot where it dashed the dew from the flowers in the 
morning. 

One of the occasions of the Seminole War, like our own 
late struggle, was on account of tlie fugitive slaves which the 
Indians harbored instead of returning to their owners, or per- 
mitting their masters to come and get them. 

The following is a correct copy of an interesting docu" 
ment, to which frequent reference was made during the Florida 
War as a compact which had been violated. We have trans- 
ferred it as an item of interest. As the whites found the 
Indians becoming troublesome neighbors, this treaty was drawn 
up in order to rid the country of them ; its violation being 
the true cause of the war : 

"treaty of Payne's landing, concluded may 9, 1832, and 
ratified april, 1834. 

" Article I. That the Seminole Indians relinquish to 
the United States all claim to the land they at present occupy 
in the Territory of Florida, and agree to emigrate to the country 
assigned to the Creeks, west of the Mississippi river — it being 
understood that an additional extent of territory proportioned 
to their number will be added to the Creek country, and that 
the Seminoles will be received as a constituent part of the Creek 
Nation, and be re-admitted to all the privileges as a member 
of the same. 

" Article II. For and in consideration of the relinquish- 
ment of claim in the first article of this agreement, and in full 
compensation for all the improvements which may have been 
made on the lands thereby ceded, the United States stipulates 
to pay to the Seminole Indians fifteen thousand dollars, to be 
divided among the chiefs and warriors of the several towns, in 
a ratio proportioned to their population, the respective portions 
of each to be paid on their arrival in the country they consent 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 77 

to move to ; it being understood their faithful interpreters, 
Abraham and Cudjo, shall receive two hundred dollars each 
of the above sum, in full remuneration for the improvements 
tojbe abandoned now cultivated by them. 

" Article III. The United States agree to distribute, as 
they arrive at their homes in the Creek territory, west of the 
Mississippi river, a blanket and homespun frock to each war- 
rior, woman and child of the Seminole tribe of Indians. 

"Article IV. The United States agree to extend the 
annuity for the support of a blacksmith, provided for in the 
Sixth Article of the Treaty at Camp Moultrie for ten years 
beyond the period therein stipulated, and in addition to the 
other annuities secured under that treaty, the United States 
agree to pay three thousand [dollars a year, for fifteen years, 
commencing after the removal of the whole tribe. These 
sums to be added to the Creek annuities, and the whole sum to 
be divided, that the chiefs and warriors of the Seminole In- 
dians may receive theirjequitable portion of the same, as mem- 
bers of the Creek Confederation. 

"Article V. The United States will take the cattle 
belonging to the Seminoles at the valuation of some discreet 
person appointed by the President, and the same shall be paid 
for in money to the respective owners after their arrival at 
their new homes, or other cattle, such as may be desired, will 
be furnished them; notice being given through their agent of 
their wishes on the subject before their removal, that time may 
be afforded to supply the demand. 

"Article VI. The Seminoles being anxious to be re- 
lieved from certain vexatious demands for slaves and other 
property alleged to have been stolen and destroyed by them, 
so that they may remove to their new homes unembarrassed, 
the United States stipulates to have the same properly inves- 
tigated, and to liquidate such as may be satisfactorily estab- 
lished, provided the amount does not exceed seven thousand 
dollars. 

"Article VII. The Seminole Indians will remove in 
three j'ears after the ratification of this agreement, and the 



78 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

expenses of their removal shall be paid by the United States, 
and such subsistence shall also be furnished for a term not 
exceeding twelve months after their arrival at their new resi- 
dence, as in the opinion of the President their numbers may 
require ; the emigration to commence as early as practicable 
in A. D. 1833, and with those Indians occuping the Big 
Swamp and other parts of the • country beyond, as defined in 
the Second Article of the Treaty, concluded at Camp Moul- 
trie Creek, so that the whole of that portion of the Seminoles 
may be removed within the year aforesaid, and the remainder 
of the tribe in about equal proportions during the subsequent 
years, 1834 and 1835. 

" Done at camp at Payne's Landing, on the Ocklawaha river, 
in the Territory of Florida, May 9, 1832. 

" James Gadsden, 
" Commissioner, and Fifteen Chiefs. (L. S.)" 

Osceola figured very conspicuously during the early 
history of our Florida troubles. Indeed, we consider the fol- 
lowing statements connected, with his movements as items of 
unsurpassed interest to those who are more fond of facts with- 
out fiction than the wondrous legends of any day dreamer. 

The mother of Osceola belonged to the Red Stick tribe of 
Indians, a branch of the Creeks. She was married to Powell, 
who was an English trader among the Indians for twenty 
years, and for this reason he is sometimes called Powell instead 
of Osceola. He was born in the State of Georgia, on the Tal- 
lapoosa river, about the year 1800. In 1808 a quarrel oc- 
curred among the Indians of the Creek tribe, when the mother 
of Osceola left, taking him with her, and retiring to the Oke- 
finokee swamp. Powell remained in Georgia with his two 
daughters and emigrated to the west with them. 

In 1817, Osceola retreated before General Jackson with a 
small party, and settled on Peace creek. A few years after- 
wards he removed to the Big Swamp, in the neighborhood of 
Fort King, uniting himself with the Miccosukees. The greater 
portion of his life was spent in disquietude when there was 
neither peace nor war, but depredations in various ways. He 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 19 

was opposed to the Payne Treaty, declaring he would fight be- 
fore signing it, or kill any of his followers who made a move 
towards its ratification. 

When the Indians held a council at Fort King, consist- 
ing of thirteen chiefs, only eight of them were willing to leave 
for the west. Hoithlee Matee, or Jumper, a sworn enemy of 
the whites, who was called "The Lawyer," and for whom Gen- 
eral Jackson had offered a reward of five hundred dollars, rose 
in the council with all the dignity of a Roman orator, after 
which he announced his intention in thundering tones: "I 
say there is no good feeling between Jumper and the white 
man. Every branch he hews from a tree on our soil is a limb 
sapped from Hoithlee's body. Every drop of water that a 
white man drinks from our springs is so much blood from 
Hoithlee's heart." 

After the return of Charlie Emathla from the west, who 
was the most intelligent of their chiefs, he met the whites in 
council that he might give expression to his opinion: "Remain 
with us here," said he to the whites, "and be our father; the 
relation of parent and child to each other is peace — it is gentle 
as arrowroot and honey. The disorderly among us have com- 
mitted some depredations, but no blood has been spilled. We 
have agreed that if we met a brother's blood on the road, or 
even found his dead body, we should not believe it was by 
human violence, but that he snagged his foot, or that a tree had 
fallen upon him; that if blood was spilled by either the offen- 
der should answer for it." 

Previous to this period the Indians were lords of the soil, 
and considered themselves located in a land of undisputed 
titles as entirely their own property, by right of possession, as 
though they held registered deeds. 

The following is an effort at Indian poetry, descriptive of 
their condition previous to hostile demonstrations : 

We were a happy people then, 

Rejoicing in our hunter mood ; 
No footsteps of the pale-faced men 

Had marred our solitude. 



80 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

Osceola was not tall, but of fine figure and splendid phy- 
sique; his head was always encircled with a blue turban sur- 
mounted by the waving tafa luste or black eagle plumes, with 
a red sash around his waist. He was a time-server, a self-con- 
stituted agent, and a dangerous enemy when enraged. In 1834 
the United States Survey Corps while camping at Fort King 
was visited by Osceola, Fred. L. Ming being their captain. In- 
dians always show their friendship by eating with their friends. 
On this occasion he refused all solicitations to partake of their 
hospitality and sat in silence, the foam of rage resting in the 
corners of his mouth. Finally he arose to retire, at the same 
time assuming a menacing manner and, seizing the surveyor's 
chain, said: "If you cross my land I will break this chain in 
as many pieces as there are links in it, and then throw the pins 
so far you can never get them again." Like most of his race, he 
was possessed of a native eloquence, of which the following is a 
specimen, after the Payne's Landing treaty was framed and 
signed by some of the chiefs: "There is little more to be said. 
The people have agreed in council ; by their chiefs they have 
uttered it; it is well; it is the truth, and must not be broken. 
I speak; what I say I will do; there remains nothing worthy 
of words. If the hail rattles, let the flowers be crushed ; the 
stately oak of the forest will lift its head to the sky and storms, 
towering and unscathed." 

The whites continued to urge the stipulations of the treaty 
to be enforced, while the Indians continued opposing it in every 
way. It is the law of our nature that the weak should suspect 
the strong; for this reason the Seminoles did not regard the 
Creeks as their friends, but feared them. Captain Wiley 
Thompson, the agent, kept reminding the Indians that they had 
made a promise to leave for the west. Messages were also sent 
to Micanopy, who, after much debate, said he would not go. 
Some time afterward General Thompson ordered Osceola to 
come up and sign the emigration list, which request moved the 
indignation of the savage to the highest pitch of desperation, 
and he replied : "I will not." General Thompson then told 
him he had talked with the Big Chief in Washington, who 



ST, AUGUSTINE, FLA. 81 

would teach him better. He replied: "I care no more for 
Jackson than for you," and rushing up to the emigration treaty 
as if to make his mark stuck his knife through the paper. For 
this act of contempt he was seized, manacled and confined in 
Fort King. When Colonel Fanning arrested him he was heard 
to mutter: "The sun is overhead; I shall remember the hour. 
The agent has his day, I will have mine." After he was first 
imprisoned he became sullen, but soon manifested signs of pen- 
itence and called the interpreter, promising, if his irons were 
taken off, to come back when the sun was high overhead, and 
bring with him one hundred warriors to sign the paper, which 
promise was fulfilled. The great mistake was made in releas- 
ing him from Fort King. If he had then been sent west much 
blood and treasures would have been spared. He had one talk 
for the white man and another for the red, being a strange 
compound of duplicity and superiority. After his release he 
commanded his warriors to have their knives in readiness, their 
jifles in order, with plenty of powder in their pouches, and com- 
menced collecting a strong force, not eating or sleeping until it 
was done. 

The first direct demonstration of hostility was on June 19, 
1835, near what is called the Hogg's Town settlement, at which 
time one Indian was killed, another fatally injured; also, three 
whites wounded. The fray commenced by some whites whip- 
ping a party of five Indians, whom they caught in the act of 
stealing. Private Dalton, a dispatch rider, was killed August 
11, 1835, while carrying the mail from Fort Brooks to Fort 
King. This was an act of revenge for an Indian killed in a 
former encounter. Dalton was found twenty miles from Fort 
King, with his body cut open and sunk in a pond. The Indi- 
ans commenced snapping their guns in the face of the govern- 
ment, at the same time expressing their contempt for the laws 
and threatening the country with bloodshed if any force should 
be used to restrain them. November 30, 1835, the following 
order was issued by the agent: "The citizens are warned to 
consult their safety by guarding against Indian depredations." 
Hostilities were soon inaugurated in a most shocking manner 



.82 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

with a tragedy of deep import, the kiUing of Charlie Emathla, 
November 26, 1835, which act was a cold-blooded murder, 
Osceola heading the band of savages. Charlie Emathla was 
shot because he favored emigration, and was preparing to move 
west. 

Osceola afterward selected ten of his boldest warriors, who 
were to wreak vengeance on General Thompson. The general 
was then camping at Fort King, little dreaming that the hour 
of his dissolution was so near or that Osceola was lying in wait 
to murder him. Although a messenger was sent to tell Osceola 
of the Wahoo Swamp engagement being in readiness, no lau- 
rels won on other fields had any charms for him until Thomp- 
son should be victimized by his revengeful machination. Af- 
ter lingering about for seven days the opportune moment pre- 
sented itself when Thompson was invited away from the fort. 
On the afternoon of December 28, 1836, as he and Lieutenant 
Smith, who had dined out that day, were unguardedly walking 
toward the sutler's store, about a mile from the post, the sav- 
ages discovered them. Osceola said; "Leave the agent for me; 
I will manage him." They were immediately attacked by the 
warriors. They both received the full fire of the enemy and 
fell dead. 

Thompson was perforated with fourteen bullet holes and 
Smith with five. The Indians then proceeded to the store 
where they shot Rogers and four others. After the murder 
they robbed the store and set fire to the building ; the smoke 
gave the alarm, but the garrison at Fort King being small no 
assistance could be rendered them. 

On the same day, December 2.Sth, and nearly the same hour. 
Major T. L. Dade, when five miles from Wahoo Swamp, was 
attacked while on his way from Fort Brooks to Fort King. The 
Indians were headed by Jumper, who had previously warned 
those who were cowards not to join him. Micanopy, their chief, 
who was celebrated for his gluttony, and, like the Trojan horoes, 
could eat a whole calf or lamb and then coil up like a snake 
for digestion, on a previous occasion wlien an appeal was made 
to him by the argument of bullet force, replied, "I will 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 83 

show you," and afterward stotioned himself behind a tree 
awaiting the arrival of the Fort Brooks force, while his war- 
riors lay concealed in the high grass around them. When 
Major Dade arrived opposite where the chief and his men were 
ambushed, Micanopy, in honor of his position as head chief, 
leveled his rifle and killed him instantly. Major Dade was 
shot through the heart and died apparently without a struggle. 
The savages rushed from their covert, when Captain Frazier 
was the next victim, together with more than a hundred of his 
companions. The suddenness of the attack, the natural situa- 
tion of the country, with its prairies of tall grass, each palmetto 
thicket being a fortress of security from which they could hurl 
their death-dealing bullets, were all formidable foes with 
which the whites had to contend. Within a few hours' march 
of Fort King, under the noonday splendor of a Florida sun, 
were one hundred and seven lifeless bodies which had been 
surprised, murdered and scalped with no quarter and far from 
the sound of human sympathy. 

The night after the "Dade Massacre " the Indians returned 
to Wahoo Swamp with the warm life-current dripping from 
the scalps of those they had slain. These scalps were given 
to Hadjo, their medicine man, Avho placed them on a pole ten 
■feet high around which they all danced, after smearing their 
faces with the blood of their foes and drinking freely of tire- 
water. One instance is mentioned wortiiy of remark, in re- 
gard to finding Major Dade's men with their personal property 
untouched. Breastpins of the officers were on their breasts, 
watches in their places, and silver money in their pockets. Thev 
took the military coat of Major Dade and some cloihing froni 
his men, with all their arms and ammunition, which proved 
they were not fighting for spoils, but their homes. The bloody 
eight hundred, after they had committed the murder, left the 
bodies unburied and without mutilation except from scalpin<T. 
They were buriel by the command of Major General Gaint s, 
who also named this tragic ground " The Field of the Dead." 

Fights now followed each other in rai)id succession. Long 
impending hostilities burst upon the white settlers, who, in 



84 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

turn, sought every opportunity of gratifying their revenge for 
outrages committed. No person was safe ; death lurked in 
every place, and there was security to none. Acts of fiendish 
barbarity were of common occurrence ; houses burned, the 
labor of years gone forever, while many of tlie missing were 
consumed in the flames of their own dwellings, the savages 
dancing around the funeral piles. The Indians appeared seized 
with a kind of desperation which knew no quarter and asked 
for none, constantly posting themselves in the most frequented 
highways with the intention of slaying or being slain. 

On the 31st of December, same year, the Indians receiving 
information that the troops under General Clinch were ap- 
proaching and would cross the Withlacoochee, posted them- 
selves at the usual fording places for the purpose of intercept- 
ing them. General Clinch was surprised by them, as they had 
greatly the advantage, being among the trees, while the troops 
were in an open space with only an old leaky canoe to cross 
in under constant fire of the enemy ; some of them being 
obliged to swim. The soldiers, accustomed to Indian warfare, 
never forded twice in the same place. Captain Ellis, now a 
worthy citizen of Gainesville, Florida, who commanded a 
company during the Seminole War, being present when the 
attack was made, says : " I was so much afraid the war would 
be over before I had a chance to be in a fight, I was glad when 
I saw the Indians coming, but I got enough fighting before it 
was through with." When he saw the savages at the com- 
mencement of this engagement, not knowing of the massacre, 
he said : " Boys, the Indians have been killing our men, for 
they have got on their coats." 

Osceola was the prime leader in this first battle of Withla- 
coochee, and, although a whole platoon fired at him, he seemed 
to be bullet proof. From behind the tree where he was 
stationed he brought down his man at every fire to the number 
of forty. He ordered his warriors not to run from the pale 
faces, but to fight. The contest was a close one, but General 
Clinch held his ground. After the Indians retreated the 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 85 

troops buried their dead and built log fires over their remains 
to keep the enemy from digging them up and scalping them. 

During September, 1 837, Osceola sent in negotiations of 
peace to General Hernandez through an envoy, accompanied 
with presents of a bead pipe and a white plume as an assur- 
ance that the path of the pale face was peaceful and safe. Gen- 
eral Hernandez, with the sanction of General Jessup, returned 
presesents and friendly messages requesting the presence of 
Osceola, with the distinct understanding that it was for the 
purpose of making arrangements for the emigration of his peo- 
ple. The messenger returned in accordance with his previous 
contract, reporting that Osceola was then on his way to St. Au- 
gustine with one hundred warriors. Osceola had never hereto- 
fore regarded the sacredness of a flag of truce as binding, be- 
sides, being engaged in the abduction of Micanopy and others, 
who would otherwise have complied with the terms of the 
treaty. General Jessup intended before his arrival to have him 
detained. General Hernandez, who was the soul of honor, re- 
monstrated with him, when he replieed, "I am your superior. 
It is your duty to obey." General Hernandez met them at Fort 
Peyton, near Pelicier creek, about seven miles southwest of St. 
Augustine. From the inquiries of General Hernandez in 
regard to the other chiefs and their locality, Osceola soon 
comprehended the situation, and when asked for replies 
to the General's questions he said to the interpreter: "I feel 
choked. You must speak for me." The place where they 
were assembled for parley being surrounded by a detachment 
of dragoons, they closed in on them, capturing the whole 
band without firing a shot. 

This strategy in taking Osceola did not tarnish the 
laurels of General Jessup in the least; a much greater blunder 
was committed in turning him loose after his first capture. 
Those who have condemned him must think of the anxiety by 
day and horrors at night through which these poor settlers 
struggled, while time passed like a bewildering dream of ter- 
ror; improvements of of all kinds languishing with a sickly 



86 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

growth, while the dragon of war sowed the seed of discord and 
desecrated the golden fleece of the harvest with a bloody hand. 

When Osceola was first captured he was imprisoned in 
Fort Marion, but Avas afterward removed to Sullivan's Island, 
where his wife and child accompanied him. He was a sad 
prisoner — never known to laugh during his confinement, but 
often heard to sigh. During his last illness he had the best 
medical attention from Charleston, whose skill he refused, 
believing they intended poisoning him. To one of his wives 
he was very much attached and his spirit passed away while 
leaning on her bosom. He died in 1838 from an inflamma- 
tion of the throat. 

Osceola had always lived among the Seminoles and re- 
garded tlieir lot as his. The name of his wife was Checho-ter, 
or Morning Dew. She was a Creek, and their family con- 
sisted of four children. Osceola had two sisters living in the 
Creek nation. 



CHAPTER XXni. 

The Seminole War Near St. Augustine — Coacoochee 
AND Tai.ums Hadjo Escape From the Fort. 

,^RAVELERS who imagine themselves greatly inconven- 




ienced and have so much to complain about, for more 
profitable employment, after riding in the plcasantstcam 
cars from Jacksonville to St. Augustine, will peruse the follow- 
ing, from which they can form some idea of the contrast within 

filly years in Florida: 

"December, 1840. 

'^Notice to Travelers St. Augustine and Picolata Stage: 

"The subscriber has commenced running a comfortable 

carriage between St. Augustine and Picolata twice a week. A 

military escort will accompany the stage going and returning. 

Fare each way five doUars. The subscriber assures those who 

may patronize this undertaking that his horses are strong and 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. ^Kl 

sound; his carriages commodious and comfortable; that none 
but careful and sober drivers will be employed, also every at- 
tention will be paid to their comfort and convenience. Pas- 
sengers will be called for when the escort is about leaving the 
city." 

We have selected from the many one of the atrocious acts 
of violence committed by the savages previous to this arrange- 
ment upon a worthy and respected citizen, Dr. Philip We^d- 
man, whose three most estimable daughters are still living in 
St. Augustine: 

"November 25, 1839. — Shortly after the mail wngon left the 
city Dr. Philip Weedman, Sr., accompanied by his little son, 
a lad about twelve years of age, both in an open wagon, with 
Mr. Graves on horseback, left for the purpose of visiting 
his former residence, now occupied as a garrison by a part of 
Captain Mickler's company. On arriving at the commence- 
ment of Long Swamp, without any previous warning he w^as 
fired upon and killed, having received two balls in his breast; 
his little son was wounded in the head, baring his brain, also 
cut with a knife. The mutilated youth, with the remains of 
the dead father, were brought in town to-day. The express 
returned' for medical aid, causing the Indians to run, as the 
wagon containing the mail was fired into, wounding Captain. 
Searle and killing a Polander who was riding horseback." 

"Tuesday, November 26, 1839.— The funeral of Dr Phil- 
ip Weedman took place to-day, attended by all of our citizens, 
who sympathize deeply with his numerous family." 

The Polander, Mr. Possenantzky, was buried the same 
day according to the Hebrew form. The Indians continued 
firing on the covered wagon trains, calling them "cloth houses;" 
their object being to obtain supplies. When a proposition was 
made to have fortified wagons hostile Indians were some- 
thing which could not be worked by any rule. They were the 
exception. 

On Saturday, February 15, 18 lO, we find a record of 
two mail carriers having been murdered, one seven and the 
other nine miles distant — G. W. AValton, from South Carolina, 



88 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

while on his way to Jacksonville, and Mr. J. Garcias near 
Live Oak Camp. The letters were undisturbed, although car- 
ried some distance. Both of the murdered men were buried 
in St. Augustine. Afterwards the mail was accompanied by 
an escort of five men. 

" We have tried to hold up some cause, with the semblance 
of a shade, to delude us into the belief that the Indians have less 
activity and enterprise than the white men, but facts stand for- 
ward in bold relief denying us even the poor consolation which 
such delusions might afford us. The lifeless bodies of our breth- 
ren speak trurapet-tongued in favor of their removal, and the 
wail of hearts blighted by their successes is stronger and more 
piercing than the fictitious surroundings of excited fancies." 

Here is another thrust at the bloodhounds: "These dis- 
tinguished auxiliaries have received more attention than 
their service deserves, while great apprehension fills the minds 
of many for fear thoy should perchance bite a Seminole. We 
would state as a quietus that a competent tooth-drawer will 
accompany them, entering upon his dental duties very soon.' 
Another shocking murder occurred between Picolata and St. 
Augustine, before the St. Johns Railroad was surveyed between 
Tocoi and St. Augustine : 

"May 29th, 1840. — On Friday last a carriage and wagon 
had been obtained to proceed to Picolata, for the purpose 
of bringing in some baggage and gentlemen connected with 
the theatrical company of W. C. Forbes, from Savannah- 
Leaving Picolata on Saturday morning. May 23d, in addi- 
tion to their own party they were joined by Mr. D. G. 
Vose, of New York, and Mr. Miller, of Brunswick, who all 
reached the eleven-mile military post in safety. When within 
seven miles of St. Augustine they were fired upon by Indians, 
severely wounding Vose, Miller and Wigger, a young German 
musician. While this work of death was going on, a wagon 
which had left the barracks that morning was seen approach- 
ing ; it contained three persons besides the driver — Mr. Francis 
Medicis, of St. Augustine, Mr. A. Ball and Mr. Beaufort. The 
Indians fired upon them near the six mile post, when Mr. 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 89 

Beaufort and the driver escaped. The mules ran away with 
the wagon. The firing being heard at the Httle garrison of 
seven men, they turned out, when they saw distinctly twenty 
Indians. News having been received in town by a lad coming 
in on one of the horses, a party of gentlemen repaired thither ; 
on reaching the ground, there lay Mr. Ball dead, while further 
on was the body of Mr. Medicis, lying on his side, his hands 
clenched as if in the attitude of supplication, his right shirt- 
sleeve burned with powder and covered with blood. Mr. 
Francis Medicis was murdered tlie 2od of May, 1840, between 
the hours of eleven and twelve o'clock. The bodies of Messrs. 
Medicis, Ball and Vose were brought in at dusk ; that of Mr. 
Miller about nine o'clock. The bodies of the strangers were 
placed in the council chamber. Mr. Forbes and his company 
passed over the Picolata road on the 22d of May, except Messrs. 
Wigger, German, and Thomas A. Line. Mr. Wigger was mur- 
dered, Thomas A. Line hid himself in a swamp, sinking up to 
his neck and covering his face with a bonnet leaf, which he 
raised to the great surprise of his companions when they were 
searching for the survivors and gathering up the wounded." 

The oldest citizens in St. Augustine now say that when 
Mr. German, vocalist, one of the theatricals, arrived in the city 
after his escape, his hair was standing perfectly erect on his 
head, and in twenty-four hours turned entirely white. As the 
Indians rifled the baggage-wagon, they carried off a consider- 
able portion of the stage dresses and other paraphernalia. 

Now, we can peru.se these tragic events as the visions of 
some wild romancer, or relate them to children as nursery 
tales, partaking enough of the terrible to excite a desire for the 
wonderful. Wearied with waiting, and heart-sick of bloody 
murders, we find the following piece of composition written on 
this solemn occasion : 

" How long shall the earth drink the blood of our women 
and children, and the soil be dyed with the ebbing life of man- 
hood ? Could they have looked with us upon the mangled 
corpses of Indian wrath as they were laid upon the public 
highway, or gone to the council room and surveyed on its 



90 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

toble, where side by side tiie marble forms of four men lay, 
wlio a few hours before were looking to the future as filled 
with bright enjoyment, they would then have whistled their 
philanthrophy to the winds and cried aloud for vengeance, 
Tliat was a sight never to be forgotten. We have seen men 
killed in battle, and perish by disease on the ocean, but amid 
the many affecting and unpleasant incidents that have met 
our gaze we have never seen a spectacle like that. Here, in 
the rigidity of death, lay the youthful German, on whom man- 
hood had just dawned, also the compact forms of muscular 
health, with the less vigorous frames of more advanced years. 
A casual glance might mistake it for a mimic scene, where 
art had exhausted her power in its production. But there 
was the pallid hue of faces; there was the gash the knife had 
made in its course to the heart; the cleft forehead parted by 
the tomahawk in its descent to the brain ; and there the silent 
drop, dropping of crimson fluid to the floor, while our secre- 
tary, with his usual imbecility, issues orders to muzzle the 
bloodhounds. The funerals of these unfortunate victims took 
place on Sunday, attended by a large concourse of people who 
expressed the keenest indignation at the repetition of such a 
scene so near our city. Wild Cat was the leader of this band, 
as he stopped afterward at the plantation of E. S. Jencks, Esq., 
and told the servants he had committed the murder." 

The troupe filled their engagement at St. Augustine, as 
only a musician had been killed irom their number. History 
says : " The sterling comedy of ' The Honeymoon ' was per- 
formed to a crowded house." Afterwards the following notice 
appeared : "During the winter months we have no doubt that 
a troupe embodying the same amount of talent which the 
present company possess, would find it profitable to spend a 
month with us each season." 

Coacoochce, or Wild Cat, was captured with Osceola in 
1836, and afterward made his escape, or he never would have 
been permitted to commit such a series of appalling atrocities 
as those which we have recorded. Wild Cat frequently visited 
the residence of General Hernandez, who lived on Charlotte 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 9l ' 

street. He also very much admired one of his beautiful daugh- 
ters, and, like lovers at the present day, wanted an excuse for 
returning; consequently, on going away he would leave one of 
his silver crescents, which he wore on his breast as a defense 
and for ornament, to be polished, and, when he returned, taking 
the one he left before and leaving another. He delighted to 
stand in front of a large mirror which General Hernandez had 
in his parlor and admire his person. He said if Miss Kitty ' 
Hernandez would be his wife she should never work any more, • 
but always ride on a pony wherever she went ; that Sukey, his 
present wife, should wait on her, but Miss Kitty would be 
queen. He frequently made assertions of his friendship for 
the family. When on one occasion some of them remarked that 
he would kill them as quick as anybody if he should find 
them in the Indian nation, he replied : " Yes, I would ; for you 
had better die by the hand of a friend than an enemy." 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Co.^coociiee's Escape and Recapture. 
^^ HE following is an account of Coacoochoe's escape and 




[j^^ recapture: "In all ages of the world there have lived 
those who laugh at iron bars and defy prison doors — 
among whom we find the Seminole Chief Wild Cat, who ap- 
peared to be proof against bullets, with a body no dungeon 
could hold. He was very indignant on account of his im- 
prisonment, denouncing his persecutors in no measured terms. 
He said the white man had given one hand in friendship 
while in the other he carried a snake with which he lied and 
stung the red man. While in Fort Marion he planned his 
escape in a most remarkable manner. Pie complained of ill- 
ness, at the same time manifesting signs of indisposition, and 
made a request that he might be permitted to go in search of 
a curative agency. Accompanied by a guard, lie was again 
permitted to breathe the pure air of his native home, but not 
in freedom. This movement furnished him with an op- 



92 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

portunity for reconnoitering and measuring with his eye the 
distance outside the fort from the ventilator in his cell. After 
his return he resorted to the use of his herbs and abstained 
from food, which had the effect of reducing his size, which was 
unneccessary, for he easily got through the eight inch bars. 
He selected a stormy niglit for the undertaking, when the 
guards would be the least inclined to vigilance, and com- 
menced making preparations by tearing his blaidvctinto strips to 
make a rope, which lie made fast inside his cell, and by working 
a knife into the masonry formed steps. This, with the aid of 
his companion's shoulders enabled him to reach the ventilator, 
a distance of eightean feet, through which he escaped by taking 
a swinging leap of thirty feet into the ditch, skinning his back 
and chest effectuall3^ His companion, Talums Hadjo, was 
less fortunate than himself After a desperate effort to get 
through he lost his hold and fell the whole way to the ground. 
Wildcat thought him dead, but his ankle was only sprained, 
and after enlisting the service of a mule grazing in the vicinity 
he was soon far away from bolts and bars which could restrain 
his wild, freeborn movements. 

Wildcat had a twin sister, to whom he was much attached. 
He said she visited him after her death in a white cloud, and 
thus relates her appearance: "Her long hair, that I had 
often braided, hung down her back. With one hand she gave 
me a string of white pearls; in the other she held a cup spark- 
ling with pure water, which she said came from the fountain 
of the Great Spirit, and if I would drink of it I should return 
and live forever. As I drank she sung the peace song of the 
Seminolcs, while White Wings danced around me. She then 
took me by the hand and said, 'All is peace here.' After this 
she stepped into the cloud again, waved her hand, and was 
gone. The pearls she gave me were stolen after I was impris- 
oned in St. Augustine. During certain times in the moon, 
when I had them, I could commune with the spirit of my sis- 
ter. I may be buried in the earth or sunk in the water, but I 
shall go to her and there live. Where my sister lives game is 
abundant, and the white man is never seen." 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 93 

This chieftain was afterward induced to come in for a par- 
ley to a depot established on the headwaters of Peace creek. 
The following is a description of his appearance on that occa- 
sion; 

"About midday on March 5, 1841, Wildcat was announced 
as approaching the encampment, preceded by friendly Indians, 
and followed by seven trusty warriors. He came within the 
chain of sentinels boldly and fearlessly, decorated, as were his^ 
companions, in the most fantastic manner. Part of the ward- 
robe plundered from the theatrical troupe the year previous 
was wrapped about their persons in the most ludicrous and 
grotesque style. The nodding plumes of the haughty Dane, as 
personated in the sock and buskin boasting of his ancestry and 
revenge, now decorated the brow of the unyielding savage 
whose ferocity had desolated the country by blood, and whose 
ancestors had bequeathed the soil now consecrated with their 
ashes, which he had defended with unswerving fidelity. He 
claimed no rights or inheritance but those he was prepared to 
defend. Modestly by his side walked a friend wound up in 
the simple garb of Horatio, while in the rear was Richard III, 
judging from his royal purple and ermine, combined with the 
hideous visage. Others were ornamented with the crimson 
vest and spangles according to fancy. He entered the tent of 
Colonel Worth, who was prepared to receive him, and shook 
hands with the officers all around, undisturbed in manner or 
language. His speech was modest and fluent. His child, aged 
twelve years, which the troops had captured at Fort Mellon 
during the fight, now rushed into his arms. Tears seldom 
give utterance to the impulse of an Indian's heart, but when 
he found the innate enemies of his race the protector of his 
child he wept. With accuracy and feeling he detailed the oc- 
currences of the past four years. He said the whites had dealt 
unjustly by him. 'I came to them; they deceived me. The 
land I was upon I loved; my body is made of its sands. The 
Great Spirit gave me legs to walk it, hands to help myself, eyes 
to see its ponds, rivers, forests and game; then a head, with 
which to think. The sun, which is warm and bright, brings 



94 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

forth our crops, and the mooc brings back the spirits of our 
warriors, our fatliers, wives and children.' Wildcat admitted 
the necessity of his leaving the country, hard as it was. After 
remaining four days he returned with his child to the tribe." 

General Worth commanded the army in Florida at this 
time. He established the headquarters of his command in the 
saddle, only asking his troops to follow where he should lead. 

Wildcat had a subtle, cunning disposition, which gave the 
whites much trouble. They had deceived him and his confi- 
dence in the pale faces was much shaken, but, being induced 
by General Worth, he was prevailed upon to meet in council. 
The general made a direct appeal to his vanity by telling him 
he had the power to end the war if he chose, as they were all 
tired of fighting. 

Wildcat was finally captured during the month of Juno. 
His camp was thirty-five miles from Fort Pierce, on the Okee- 
chobee Swamp. He abandoned the idea of emigration, and 
his name was a terror to all the white settlers. He agreed to 
leave with the Seminole and Miccosukie tribes, who elected him 
their leader. His parting address, as he stood upon the deck* 
was as follows: "I am looking at the last pine tree of my na- 
tive land. I am leaving Florida forever. To part from it is 
like the separation of kindred, but I have thrown away my 
rifle. I have shaken hands with the white man, and to him I 
look for protection." 

Wildcat, alter being sent to Ncnv Orleans, was brought back 
to Tampa, that he might have a talk with his band, which num- 
bered one hundred and sixty, including negroes. He was too- 
proud to come from the vessel witli liis shackles, but when they 
were removed he talked freely with liis people, and wanted all 
to be sent west without delay. He died on the way to Arkan- 
sas, and was buried on the bank of the iMississippi river. War- 
to him was only a source of recreation. 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 95 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Fort Marion Taken Possp:ssion of by Florida Troops. 

fANUARY 7, 1861, Fort Marion was taken possession of 
by Florida troops, by order of the Governor, even before 
the ordinance of secession was passed. It had been used 
for an arsenal for years. The stores fell into the hands of the 
insurgents. The fort was used for a rendezvous for recruits 
most of the time up to its surrender to Commander C. R. P. 
Rodgers, U. S. N. On the 11th of March, 1862, he crossed the 
bar in the Wabash with a flag of truce. The city and govern- 
ment property was surrendered by the mayor, who informed 
him that the two companies of Florida troops who had garri- 
soned the fort had left the place on the previous evening, leav- 
ing the public property in his charge. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Confinement of the Comanche, Kiowa, Arrapaho and 
Chiricahua Apache Indian Prisoners of War in 
the Fort. 

^►/"N 1875 Fort Marion was used for the confinement of a 
kl number of Comanche, Kiowa and Arrapaho Indians, 
^^^ comprising a number of leading chiefs and head men, 
who had been taken prisoners by the United States troops serv- 
ing on the western frontier. Captain Pratt, U. S. A., had charge 
of the Indians while they were confined in Fort Marion, 

April 13, 1886, seventy-seven Chiricahua Apache Indian 
prisoners of war were sent to Fort Marion for confinement. The 
Chiricahua Apaches are one of the many bands of the Apache 
nation, which at that time numbered about 47,000 people. This 
band numbered over five hundred, and had the best warriors 
in the Apache nation. Chihuahua was the head chief of this 
part of the band, and was retained as head chief of all the In- 
dians while they remained here. He was a very skillful fighter, 
and understood the whites thoroughly, he having been First 



96 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

Sergeant of a company of Indian scouts for two years. He 
had served his time, and was discharged before he joined 
the hostiles. The Indians had promised to come in and sur- 
render at a point near San Barnardina. They came in, bu* 
the night before the surrender was to take place Geronimo got 
his band drunk and induced them to go on the war path again. 
Chihuahua kept his word and surrendered with his band. 

During the thirteen months that I had the immediate 
care of these Indians I found most of them trustworthy, truth- 
ful and honest in every respect. 

With this part of the band was old Nanna, the greatest 
war chief of the Apache nation. He probably has more scars 
on his body than any man in this country. It was Nanna that 
tried to save Victory. He sent a small squad with Victory 
into the mountains, and tried to obliterate their trail, thinking 
that the troops would follow the large party, but, instead, they 
found the small trail and followed it, attacked the band, kill- 
ing Victory and a number of his braves. 

Nanna is the oldest war chief of the band. He is six feet 
in height and strongly built, and was always pleasant while here. 
He spent hours in teaching the Apache language and their 
dances to my son. Nanna was originally a Warm Spring 
Apache. It was his old band that were our scouts against the 
Modoc Indians. 

Natchez was the head chief of this band. Chihuahua, Ge- 
ronimo, Chatto, Nanna, Loco, Bastuea, Cheve, Mangus and 
Kituna were the other chiefs Of these Natchez, Geronimo 
and Mangus and fourteen braves were sent to Fort Pickens, 
Fla. This was the part of the band that went on the war path 
again after promising to surrender. There were five hundred 
and five all told, braves, squaws and children. There was no 
interpreter sent with Chihuahua's band. When the large squad 
from Arizona was sent here there were two interpreters with 
them, Sam Boman and Conception. With a few exceptions, the 
Indians behaved very well while in confinement here. On the 
26th of April they were transferred to Mount Vernon, Ala., 
where they still remain prisoners of war. 



St. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 9? 

Captain Pratt, United States Army, was the first to at- 
tempt the education of Indian prisoners of war. He was 
ably assisted by Mrs. Mathers. This lady took a great inter- 
est in the instruction of the Apaches, assisted by Mrs. Di-." 
Caruthers and the Misses Clark. A large class was instructed 
by the Sisters of St. Jose})h. AH the above were very suc- 
cessful in their endeavors to educate these prisoners. The 
following is a part of the names as near correct as can be trans- 
lated in English: Today, Cona, Lan/ea, Nausen, Cisner, 
Shunarclay, Chechet, Staloch, Fritz, Johnnie, Kasochon, Dar- 
kei, Toyski, CharUe, Phil, Kroshega, Spudy, Bender, No Slin, 
' Ston, Conaenato, Donshedan, Soz, Goody-Goody, Goso, Joshya, 
Parlo, Sozone, Jim, Nigharzen, Notar, Whenoshe, Bezenas, 
Couporal, Siele, Sizzen, Kaleson, Harry, Katar, Kerozona. 
Bashozon, Bizha, Josanan, Coyonhe, Chatto, Kashonar, Baha- 
ley, Fatty, Shiltinoo, Bachlom, Natchez, Eeskeney. 

Will give a few words in Apache and English transla- 
tion: 

Lomry, fire; to, water; buckshay, beef; potsesha, axe; 
a, shirt; anate, trowsers; ka, shoes; chess, wood; .ow, yes; 
chetta, blanket; tlago, night; dozuda, no good; va shindau, 
do you see; hi-u-den-ya, where are you going,- no day yet; 
que do ir ga, what your name; ou-chisty, come here; youy- 
chey, go; edlo, thread; doque, how many; do da, no; bakechee, 
ink; elshinero, baby, or child; is congo, to-morrow; pesh, 
knife; kash bea cay, shovel: montocho, orange; nantan, com- 
mander; oujue, good; noy oustee, rain; nato, tobacco; tinco, 
matches; nad e ste, pipe; basque, brush: bagazuda, bi'ooni: 
queah, sick. 

The following is the system of counting by the Apaches : 
One, dath la ; two, nock ke ; three, ti ; four, te ; five, ashli : 
six, goston ; seven, gostid ; eight, sapee ; nine, gost i ; ten, 
• genes nan; eleven, thla zotta ; twelve, nock ke zotta ; thirteen, 
ti zotta ; fourteen, te zotta ; fifteen, ash li zotta ; sixteen, goston 
zotta ; seventeen, goste zotta ; eighteen, spec zotta ; nineteen, 
gosta zotta ; twenty, nat teen ; twenty-one, nateen thla : 



98 ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 

twenty-two, nateen nock e ; twenty-three, nateen ti ; twenty- 
four, nateen te ; twenty-five, nateen ash h. 

The Apaches do not use the sign language except in 
writing. 




CHAPTER XXVII. 

The Hotels in St. Augustine, and the Climate. 

fHE Ponce de Leon, Cordova and Alcazar stand without 
a peer in any part of the world. The construction of 
the first of these magnificent buildings was commenced 
November :30th, 1885, and finished May 30th, 1887. Archi- 
tects, Carrere and Hastings; builders, McGuire and McDonald ; 
frescoes and mural decorations, Maynard and Hastings ; super- 
intendent of concrete construction, William Kennish ; superin- 
tendent of architectural department, J. W. Ingle. The other 
hotels are the San Marco, St. George, Florida, Magnolia, Bar- 
celona, Valencia, Columbia, Abbey, Ocean View, Lynns, The 
Palmetto, American and others. The climate of Florida 
speaks for itself, of St. Augustine especially. 

In concluding this work the author finds a peculiar fasci- 
nation in the early history of Florida that no other part of 
our country possesses. AVhen we look back to 1512, the date 
of the discovery of Florida by the gallant cavalier Ponce de 
Leon, the explorations of Narvaez and De Soto, the perma- 
nent settlement by Menendez, the French and English colonies, 
the massacre of the Huguenots by Menendez, the retribution 
and massacre of Spaniards by DeGourgues, the attacks of Sir 
Francis Drake and Captain Davis on St. Augustine, the siege 
of Governor Moore and Colonel Palmer, the brave Oglethorpe's 
bombardment and siege, the attack on the Highlanders at 
Fort Moosa, the defence by the gallant and accompHshed Mon- 
teano, the completion of the fortress, which was one hundred 
and ninety-one years in construction, the Seminole war, the 



ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 



99 



confinement of Indian prisoners of war in the fort, the con- 
struction of the most magnificent hotels in the world, by Mr. 
H. M. Flagler, making this one of the central points of colonial 
and modern history in the United States. If this book awakens 
an interest in the colonial history of our country the author 
will be partially repaid for liis six years work. 

Respectfully, 

GEORGE M. BROWN, 
Ordnance Sergeant, United States Army. 



Oldest House in tlie Oldest City in the D. S. 




Open January, February and March, 

CHAS. P. CARVER, 

ST. FEANCIS STREET, ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. 



' SEE THE WILD SOUTH. 



Tourists will Never Regret a Visit to 
DR. J. VEIDDEIR'S 



OOLOGIGAL GARDEN 



WONDERS OF THE LAND AND SEA. 

WONDERS OF CREATION IN FLORIDA. 




THE LARGEST COMBINATION OF 

Living Florida Animals, Birds and Reptiles Ever Got Together. 

The IMiist-iiiu Has Hundreds of Kare and Tine Si>ecinifiis. Uare Tisli 
an<l Other Speciineu.-* Only Seen in this ?Vliiseuni. 

Students, Naturalists, Scientists and all of a Studious Mind, and Lovers 
of the MorUs of the Great <'reator will Keaji a IJieli Harvest, Never to 
Fors>et. 

entrance in one of the oldest spanish buildings and 
old curiosity shop, never been remodeled. 

bay street, corner treasury street, 

na^here: the: flags are: flying. 



ADMISSION 25 CENTS. CHILDREN 10 CENTS. 



^ LYNNS t HOTEL ^ 

IN THE HEART OF THE CITY. 

Opposite Old Slave Market, and fronting on the Ocean. Open all the year round. 

Special Attention to Commercial Men. 

W. A. LVNN Sc BRO., 

SflUiSTllE TRANSlR GOMFANY" 

Main Office— Room 19, Alcazar. Telephone No. 39. 
Branch Otfice— Telephone No. U. Stable— Telephone No. 78. 

Hacks, Landaus, Victorias and Dog Carts to Hire. 

HACKS AND iDMNIBUSES MEET ALL TRAINS. 

Best Kquipiiod Livery Kstablishniont in the State. 

L. A. COL be:, Ma ,na.ger, 

H. A. NA/rLSOI\l, 

FUNERAL DIRECTOR, 

OO St. 0«?or*g:^ t^irr^^l", St. A^vijarv-is^tlne^. r^l^. 

GRADUATE OF U. S. COLLEGE OF EMBALMING. 

Telephone ,54. Parlor Open at All Hours. 

Hotel Ponce de Leon, O.D. Seavey, Manager. ' 
St. Augustine, Fi.a., December 1st isoi. \ 

Mr. H. A. iri'tso/i, St. Awjustine. Fla.: 

Dear Sir— We think perhaps it will be gratifying to you as it was to us to 
know that the remains of Mrs. Seavey's mother, Mrs DiiParr, were excellently 
preserved. She died in St. Augusitne on Christmas day, and the following May the 
body was taken from the receiving tomb in Marshfleld, Mass., in as godd condition 
as when it was put in, the features being perfectly natural and no (liscoloratiou 
whatever. Yours trulv, 

6. D. SEAVEY 



THE HENRY A. BARLINB EOilllPANY, 

ST. A.UOUS'TlISrE:, I=M-rOI«ir>A., 

FANCT ailOCERIES, 

Ooal, H ardNA/gire, Tinware, 
FISHING TACKLE, AMMUNITION, ETC. 
VAILL BLOCK. 



